Southern Indiana Trails

Forge Edgmont Path and Mountain Frame Bike - 17.5"

2011-06-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

$181.99 (Reg $259.99)

The Forge Edgmont is in keeping with Forge's commitment to exceptional performance and price. The geometry on the 6061 ALL ALUMINUM FRAME is designed for control and responsiveness. Powered by the higher grade SHIMANO ACERA drivetrain and SHIMANO ALTUS rapidfire shifters that perform effortlessly through 24 speeds. The 26x2.10" tires are designed for off-road riding yet equally suited for a ride through town. XCT SR Fork smoothes out nature's terrain while the TEKTRO brakes provide stopping power and reliability. The Edgmont experience begins the moment you settle onto the WTB saddle and realize - this is more than just a bike. This is a Forge, the perfect escape!

Bridge brings Greenway closer to completion

2011-06-09T15:55:00.000-07:00

http://www.courierpress.com/news/2011/jun/09/no-headline---10greenway/

EVANSVILLE — Completion of the Industrial Corridor of Evansville's Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage moved closer to completion Thursday with the installation of a pedestrian bridge in Lamasco Park.

The 220-foot bridge spans a storm water discharge area that feeds into Pigeon Creek. It was scheduled to have been set in February but was delayed flooding from Pigeon Creek.

The concrete decking for the bridge is to be poured next week, and the bridge is expected to be completed by June 17. It will not open to the public, though, until sometime in August.

When completed, it will tie the Greenway's Industrial Corridor to the Riverfront and Middle Levee Corridors.

Glenn Boberg, the Deputy Director of the city's Department of Parks and Recreation, said the bridge was the quickest way to connect the gap between the Riverfront and Middle Levee Corridors.

"It would be an opportunity for another unique feature on the Greenway," Boberg said.

He said other ideas that were considered would have caused problems with the pump station near the park and that the costs were nearly the same.

"Not only is the Greenway a wonderful recreational amenity, it also serves as a vital, viable means of exercise and transportation for our community," said Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel.

Boberg said the bridge is a unique opportunity for people to utilize for recreation, exercise, and even transportation to get to the Downtown area.

"With gas prices getting close to $4 and reaching over $4 in some places, we need to develop some of these alternate transportation routes in this city to allow people to use their bicycles, to run or walk to get to different places," he said. "That's the magic of the Greenway right now."

Roberta Heiman, President of the Evansville-Area Trail Coalition, said the bridge is an important step in connecting the trail.

"I think it's wonderful, this is another really important step forward," she said.

The bridge is part of the Phase Two of the Industrial Corridor which extends from West Franklin Street around Lamasco Park, under West Delaware and Columbia streets and will end at West Maryland Street At that point, it will connect with Phase Three which will run from Maryland Street to Louisiana Street

Phase Two is expected to be completed in August followed by Phase Three in October.

XTERRA Scales Lake

2011-06-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 4th, 2011
Sprint: Swim 0.5 Mile - Mtn. Bike 11 Miles - Trail Run 3.3 Mileshttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Super Sprint: Swim 0.5 Mile - Mtn. Bike 5.5 Miles - Trail Run 3.3 Miles

WEBSITE:

Online registration is FREE and available at:

The XTERRA Scales Lake is an association-wide event. The funds generated from the triathlon will significantly increase the number of children, youth and families who have the opportunity to experience the extraordinary impact of the following programs: Y-CAP, Diamonds, Swim Lessons, Swim Team, Soccer, Basketball, Midnight Basketball, Youth and Government, Life Skills, After School Rocks (Drug Prevention), Healthy Kids Day, Preschool, Before and After School Childcare, Summer Day Camp, Preschool Sports, Kid's Night Out, Tumbling, Family Night, Fit Kids, Various Senior programs, Adult Wellness Programs, CPR, and Nutrition Classes.

IMG00369-20110530-1154.jpg

2011-05-30T09:58:00.001-07:00

Signs of spring.

Evansville's Evening on the River

2011-05-29T21:43:00.000-07:00

Presented by Vectren

A stroll on the riverfront, a breathtaking sunset over the Ohio River, music, food, desserts and
libations… Come experience “Evening on the River”.
Seventh Annual Evening on the River Friday, June 4th from 6:30pm - 10:00pm

This fundraising event benefiting the Evansville Parks Foundation and Keep Evansville Beautiful will include stage and street performances, horse-drawn carriage rides, a silent auction and a "movable feast" of food, desserts and drinks from area restaurants, wine shops, caterers and grocers, presented at locations along Riverside Drive between Casino Aztar and the Pagoda.

Evening on the River drew nearly 1,400 patrons and raised $75,000 in 2009. All proceeds benefit Evansville parks facilities and programs. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $60, or $65 at the door. All entertainment, food and drinks for the evening are included. For tickets call (812) 435-6141 or buy online.

Garden Grab Bag - Gurney's Seed & Nursery

2011-05-29T11:34:00.000-07:00

Garden Grab Bag - Gurney's Seed & Nursery

Garden Walk

2011-05-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

Evansville, Newburgh and Henderson Neighborhood Pool Info

2011-05-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

Neighborhood Pools

Neighborhood Pools will be open from June 4, 2011 through July 31, 2011. Bathhouse facilities include changing rooms, restrooms, offices and a first aid room. Neighborhood Pools encourage children to learn swim strokes and participate in swim team activities. Daily swim hours allow children to exercise and have a cool place to beat the summer heat.

Fees:

3 yrs & under: Free

4 – 12 years: $1.00

13 years & older: $2.00
Private Rental Rate of $100/hour

Neighborhood Pools - Opens June 4th to July 31st
Anthony Oates Pool 2439 Sunburst Blvd. (off Riverside Drive)
Garvin Pool 1600 N. Main Street
Lorraine Pool 2399 S. Boeke Avenue
Helfrich Pool 2601 W. Maryland Street

Operating Hours: Tuesday - 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday - 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm
Closed on Mondays
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
___________________________________________________________________

Newburgh , In

http://www.newburgh.org/pdf/Poolbrochure2010.pdf
___________________________________________________________________

Henderson , Ky

Atkinson Pool
L-shape main pool
Wading pool
Mushroom waterfall
Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Contact 831-1230

Garvin Park fountain restoration

2011-05-27T22:21:00.000-07:00

EVANSVILLE — Keep Evansville Beautiful met its $54,000 fundraising goal for renovating the Garvin Park fountain Thursday night.

The goal was reached in part thanks to Jeff Bosse, the great-great-nephew of former Evansville Mayor Benjamin Bosse.

Bosse attended a dedication ceremony for the renovated fountain held at the Pub on Division Street because of his interest in his great-great-uncle and what he did for the community.

"This is a fountain in his honor that he gave to the city in 1915," Bosse said.

The Bosse family donated $2,000 toward the fountain restoration project, said Ann Ennis, director of Keep Evansville Beautiful.

Thursday evening's dedication including the turning on of its new, multicolored LED lights, added during an approximately two-and-a-half-year planning and renovation process.

The celebration also served as a fundraiser. Keep Evansville Beautiful was "a few thousand short" of its $54,000 goal for the project, Ennis said before the event. Donations received at the ceremony allowed the group to meet its goal, and funds above that total will go to the fountain's maintenance fund, she said.

Keep Evansville Beautiful is hoping to receive enough donations to increase the maintenance fund, which totaled approximately $18,000 before the event, to $25,000 by the end of the summer, Ennis said.

"The stories that we've heard and the fact that the money has just come in so easily" have been the most exciting parts of the project, Ennis said. "The whole thing has just been a great experience."

Local individual donors, businesses, organizations and trade unions donated time and manpower to the project, Ennis said.

Major donors included local Kiwanis clubs and the Evansville Park Foundation Inc., Evansville Urban Enterprise Association, the Bussing-Koch Foundation, Deaconess Hospital and the Courier & Press, among others.

The 2006 Leadership Evansville class designated the fountain as its community-service project, said Jack Pate, a class member and Courier & Press publisher.

Ennis lighted the fountain last night after well-wishers watched a video about the fountain's history.

"We did, as a community, turn this on," she said.

A more formal, traditional dedication ceremony will be held June 14, Ennis said.

The fountain light show is generally scheduled to run from dusk until 11 p.m. all summer and autumn. The light shows will run longer on the weekends, Ennis said.

The fountain was first restored by local Kiwanis clubs in 1936 and again in 1989, according to a Keep Evansville Beautiful statement.

"When I was a small child, they dedicated the fountain. I don't remember too much other than how pretty it was," said Jim Morgan, former president of the Northside Kiwanis Club, of the 1936 ceremony.

In the years to come, Morgan worked to keep the fountain pretty. He helped the North Side group raise money to update it before its second rededication ceremony in 1989 and worked with the club and Jacobsville Neighborhood Improvement Association to raise money for the fountain's latest improvements.

Updates to the 86-year-old fountain included rewiring its electrical circuits, repairing its walls and gates, adding a changing LED-light show and renewing the surrounding landscaping.

"The best part of this project is the community coming together as one and revitalizing this treasure of our community," said Dan Schall, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. "It's nice to be able to maintain what was developed many years ago.

tick population in southern Indiana

2011-05-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

Due to certain natural conditions, primarily the incredible wet spring, the tick population in southern Indiana is at an all time high. I've gathered some info and product links to help educate people about ticks and the diseases they carry.

Woodland Pests
http://www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/pccommonticks.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_2257_remove-ticks-pets.html

IMG00344-20110524-1620.jpg

2011-05-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

Some of the new rerouted trails on the Wabash Canal trail in Wesselman Park.

IMG00328-20110521-1717.jpg

2011-05-22T20:03:00.000-07:00

Wabash and Erie Canal trail is now clear of debris. Had to do some trail rerouting around some of the bigger tree fall but everything is passable now. Still needs to be pruned and trimmed up but I ran out of daylike. Hopefully next week I can get everything done.

Flooding slows slough

2011-05-19T19:00:00.000-07:00

Volunteers have worked more than three years to create the Eagle Slough Natural Area and make nature more accessible to people, but this spring nature demonstrated it's still the boss.

A dedication of the wetlands area, off Water Works Road near Ellis Park, was planned for this weekend. However, the flooding pushed back the dedication until the fall by delaying the finishing touches on fixtures and signage that volunteers hoped to complete.

The slough earned its name this spring as flooding from the Ohio River washed across the bottom lands and closed access to the wetlands area near Ellis Park, making it nearly indistinguishable from other surrounding geographic features submerged in backwaters three to four feet deep.

"The name Eagle Slough — we didn't just make that up. We looked on old maps and that's what it was called. It was a natural slough," said Greg Meyers, a project volunteer.

The area has long been subject to spillover from Eagle Creek, which feeds into the Ohio. The water leaves behind rich deposits of nutrients, perhaps explaining the healthy bald cypress trees found there, said Steve Gifford, a local wildlife photographer.

The cypresses are some of the largest in the state and the slough's stand of them is one of only eight known cypress stands in Indiana, the northern reach of the wetlands-loving tree's limit. The cypresses, and the many other trees growing there, in turn provide cover for hundreds of migrating water fowl and songbirds.

"It's part of the natural cycle. It's one of the things that makes that slough what it is," Gifford said.

Gifford and Meyers were able to get a canoe into the area last week to view the submerged nature area.

"It's amazing how much you depend on landmarks when you are hiking and how much it throws you off when they are gone," said Steve Gifford, a local wildlife photographer and project volunteer. "It was just one big lake."

Based on observations of how high the water was on signposts and the entrance pillars, Meyers estimates the slough has been covered in two to four feet of water.

At the heart of the project is an abandoned, elevated rail bed that volunteers turned into a nature trial extending from Water Works Road and ending in an observation deck extending out over a lake at the northern end of the 127-acre area.

A nature photography blind, outdoor classroom with benches and signposts have already been installed, as have stone pillars guarding the area's entrance from would-be dumpers and unwanted vehicles. Meyers said it did not appear that the flood created any significant damage to what has already been done at Eagle Slough.

However, the observation deck still needs to be finished, informational signs put up and the trail surface completed.

Run/walk will help fix up Boonville school's trail

2011-05-11T06:41:00.000-07:00

By Nathan Blackford
Evansville Courier & Press
Posted May 9, 2011 at 11:15 a.m.

The race, planned for May 21, will take runners and walkers through parts of Boonville, beginning and ending at the middle school

Nathan Blackford / Courier & Press The start of the Panther Fitness Trail at Boonville Middle School is under water after recent rains. The entire trail has suffered from a lack of use and maintenance in recent years.

The way organizers from Boonville Middle School see it, the Fitness is Fun 5K is a way to encourage exercise not just for one day, but all year round.

The race, planned for May 21, will take runners and walkers through parts of Boonville, beginning and ending at the middle school. And the proceeds from the event will help fund healthy initiatives at the school and at the Studio Bee community center.

"There were a group of people that work here, and we decided to get involved in a project that would better our school and improve the image of the school," said Vicki Dalton, a BMS teacher and a member of the race organizing committee. "We figured this race was something that had been dropped, but it was something that could be started up again. And we could do some community outreach with it."

For a few years, Studio Bee organized the race, known as the Bee Healthy 5K. Studio Bee, which opened in 2001, provides afterschool and summer activities for local children who might otherwise be unsupervised during that time.

A teacher at Boonville Middle School, Steve Wilson, started a project in 2000 to create a walking and running trail around the school property. Students helped in the effort, which included a small bridge and several signs. But the Panther Fitness Trail never gained much popularity, and much of it is now overgrown.

"Our original intent was just to work on the trail," said Connie King, also a BMS teacher and committee member. "But we were going to have to go out and ask for funds just to do that, or we could do some kind of fundraising activity. And so we went to Studio Bee to see if we could partner with them."

"This year, when we were looking at things that could make the school more inviting, we decided one of the things we wanted to do was to get the fitness trail back in good shape," said Dalton. "That way, the school could use it, the community could use it, and athletic teams could use it. It is just silly not to use it."

Dalton helped bring a former Boonville student, Ashley Johnson, on board. Johnson studied fitness at the University of Southern Indiana, and is also a runner. She eventually became the Fitness is Fun committee chairperson.

A local bicycle club has also gotten involved, and will help direct runners during the race. The club hopes to be able to create a dirt bike track near the fitness trail.

The money from the race will be split between the school and Studio Bee. The school will use the money for improvements to the trail, while Studio Bee will use its share for building upkeep and the implementation of programs.

Organizers are hoping to bring in about 500 runners for the May 21 race, a number they admit may be a little bit lofty.

The 5K will begin at 9 a.m., and there will also be a one-mile walk. Prizes will be given to the winners of each age group in the male and female divisions of the 5K, as well as overall male and female winners in the walk.

Immediately following the race, there will be fun runs for kids on the school track and a funfest in front of the school. Kids up to 13 can participate in the fun runs, which are free.

Registration is $15 on or before May 14. Late registration of $20 will be taken up to race day. To register online, go to www.fitnessisfun5k.com. For more information, contact fitnessisfun5k@yahoo.com.

Organizers are also still looking for more sponsors, and hope to get more community groups to set up booths at the event. Isagenix has already signed on as the title sponsor.

"We are excited about it," said King. "It is something new for our school. We are trying to get everybody involved."

10% off bikes and Shimano products

2011-04-25T14:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.nashbar.com

4 days of savings at Gander Mountan

2011-04-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.gandermountain.com
Offer Details

* • Savings is based on the merchandise total only, excluding additional freight and taxes.
* • Offers can not be combined with other offers.
* • No adjustments of previous purchases.
* • Can not be used to purchase gift cards, firearms, or ammunition.
* • Excludes merchandise from the following brands: The North Face, Merrell, Columbia, Patagonia,
Keen, Scent Lok, Scent Blocker, Under Armour, Frogg Toggs, Costa Del Mar, Native, Maui Jim, Marmot.
* • Valid for online and phone orders only.
* • Not valid for cash.
* • Not valid for Gander Mtn. Academy.
* • Other restrictions may apply.

Azalea Path Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

2011-04-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

Nestled along the back roads between Gibson and Pike County Indiana are hidden gardens called the "Azalea Path Arboretum & Botanical Gardens."

Containing one of the largest collections of azaleas, it hosts many unusual and ornamental trees. Meandering pathways lead to water features and unique sculptures.

Come and join us for a nature walk you will never forget.

Azalea Path with Charlie Stocker - video

azaleapatharboretum.org - Wesite

Azalea Path Brochure

A Tale of Deer Ridge Trail and Sammy's bridge

2011-04-23T17:25:00.001-07:00

A Tale of Deer Ridge Trail and Sammy's bridge

Posted by Julie_McDonald In the winter of 2006-2007 volunteer Don Davis and I blazed what would Audubon State Park's newest trail - Deer Ridge Trail. It was created to give visitors access to newly purchased acreage that borders Rt 41.
The trail, following a worn deer path along a ridgetop, first needed a little TLC; some clearing, a bridge and boardwalk, and trail signage, before it could be opened to the public.
Four years later, Sammy Herdegen approached me about Eagle Scout project ideas. After seeing the trail, Sammy quickly decided that building a bridge would best help the park and satisfy his project requirements.
With a projected build week scheduled for Sammy's spring break (April 2), that meant a lot to do in four short months. Design plans, materials list, donations, deliveries, and volunteers all needed to be lined up to pull off the build without a hitch. And pull it off he did!
It may have taken four work days but the bridge is a magnificent addition to the park. Thanks Sammy!
We also want to thank all who helped out on the work days to Brad Hazelwood and Hazex for the donated rock, ABS Construction for equipment and expertise, and Lowes for supporting the project through a discount.
Keep your eyes open. We'll be writing up a formal press release soon.

Great Deals on Great Brands at sierratradingpost.com

2011-04-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

Great Deals on Great Brands in a digital design...

View eCatalog Now

Earth Day at Howell Wetlands

2011-04-15T17:18:00.001-07:00

When? April 16, 10 am-2 m
Where? Howell Wetlands (Additional parking and shuttle at Howell Park on Barker Ave.)
Cost? FREE!!
Go green in one of Evansville's most biodiverse urban green spaces!
Wesselman Nature Society hosts Earth Day at Howell Wetlands, a free event for local families and visitors to our area.

Scheduled activities at the Wesselman Nature Society Conservation Station will include a birding hike and a live raptor program featuring several birds of prey. Naturalist led hikes, including a wildflower hike and wetland conservation tours, begin at the top of each hour.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., activities and learning opportunities will included water bug fishing in the wetlands, Earth Day crafts and games, “green living” stations, and child friendly activities. Food will be available for purchase as a local boy scout troop fundraiser.
The day's schedule is as follows:
8 a.m. and 9 a.m.- Wing Watching
11 a.m.-Flutterby Flower Walk
12 p.m.-Raptor Show
1 p.m.-Wetland Tour

Located west of downtown Evansville on Tekoppel Ave. at Broadway Ave., Howell Wetlands is Indiana’s largest urban wetlands. Additional parking and shuttle at the Howell Park on Barker and Broadway Ave. See the map at www.wesselmannaturesociety.org under the Howell Wetlands link. For more information about Earth Day at Howell Wetlands, please contact Lauren Preske (lpreske@wesselmannaturesociety.org or by phone 812-479-0771 ext. 102).
We hope you will join us in celebrating Earth Day this year!

$14 Black and Decker 62-Piece Accessory Set!

2011-04-15T04:55:00.000-07:00

$14 Black and Decker 62-Piece Accessory Set!
Home > Stores > Wal-Mart.com USA Coupons

Free shipping to your store!

Head over to Walmart.com and grab one for your toolbox, these accessories will definitely come in handy as Spring rolls in.
* 17 general purpose drills
* 45-piece screwdriving set
* Ratcheting screwdriver
* Twenty-five 1″ screwdriver bits
* Eleven 2″ screwdriver bits
* Magnetic bit tip holder
* 7 nutdrivers
* Comes with case
* Black and Decker accessory set model #71-797

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Black-and-Decker-Accessory-Set-62pc/14971637?sourceid=14204794524089752558&wmlspartner=tWsI2R5jHvk

New creative writing contest!

2011-04-15T04:30:00.000-07:00

The Midwest Women's Mountain Bike Clinic is teaming up with Girl Bike Love for a new creative writing contest!

Ride, Write, Win
Contest winner receives:
~ Free entry to the 2011 Midwest Women's Mountain Bike Clinic
~ Free event t-shirt
~ Two free nights (Fri/Sat) at official event lodging (onsite and offsite options available)
~ Two hour private lesson with pro rider and IMIC Level III Coach, Tammy Donahugh
~ Tons of stuff from our event sponsors!

Go to http://www.midwestwomensclinic.com/contest.html or http://girlbikelove.com/category/ride-write-win/ for all the info and a chance to win!

The "Celebrate Urban Birds!" Kit

2011-04-13T04:58:00.000-07:00

Here is all you need to participate in Celebrate Urban Birds! Please feel free to download, copy, and share our materials with others!

Please register (for free). We would like as many people as possible to participate in Celebrate Urban Birds and use the project resources. The 10-minute bird observation is at the heart of the project and the kit materials support that 10-minute citizen science observation, but there are lots of other materials and resources on the web site.

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/celebration/GettingStarted/kit

Updates from Ben Hawes trail build.

2011-04-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

Fantastic turnout with our first KYMBA volunteer work day under our new city park management at Ben Hawes. Alex was able to get the two single track sections connected Thursday and Friday and then build out further Saturday with the help of 10 kymba volunteers. Lots of fun stuff in this section. Proof you can build a trail to spec and it still be a workout, be fun, and be fast! Several switchbacks and climbing turns, multiple berms and insloped turns, and lots of grade reversals to drain water. Over a mile of single track trail on the ground now that is all connected! its still hidden from general public as the ends are not opened to the double track yet until the section is "seasoned" a little.

Info here : http://www.kymba.org/forum/index.php?topic=236.0

EXTRA 20% OFF & FREE SHIPPING

2011-04-05T18:20:00.000-07:00

Sierra Trading Post

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/

Ben Hawes trail build day

2011-03-31T18:18:00.000-07:00

Alex Stewart (Spectrum Trail Design) will be in town this week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday AND we have the green light to host a Kentucky Mountain Bike Association (KyMBA) Volunteer Trail Day!

If your interested in volunteering to help build the new trail system, please join us this Saturday morning April 2nd at 9:30 am. Lets meet at the Ben Hawes Park main parking lot on Booth Field Road. Then carpool to the work site at the end of Medley Road or the end of Over Street Road. TBD

Please bring your own work gloves, eye protection, snacks and drink. Also, you might consider bringing your bike and ride some new sweet single-track before you go home.

Contact me if have any questions.

Thanks,
Richard Dixon
852-3747 home
244-0567 cell

Gardener: A simple soil test

2011-03-15T16:10:00.000-07:00

As a seasoned gardener, I've gained an almost reverent respect for soil. It can make or break any garden. Dirt, on the other hand, is what you clean from under your fingernails. Healthy gardens grow in soil. Good, rich soil is the living heart and soul of gardening. But figuring out how to get it takes a bit of work.

Soil is made up of minerals, rock broken down by time and weather into three general particle sizes. The first, sand, is relatively huge. It doesn't hold water or fertilizer very well but has terrific porosity, or air space between the grains. Next is silt, about the size and consistency of dust. Water runs off it before soaking in, but once it's saturated it holds water and nutrients better than sand. Finally comes clay. Dry, it shrinks, cracks and repels water. Wet, it's swampy and doesn't give up its nutrients easily.

It is important to have all three types of particles in your garden soil. The different sizes of each create essential space for air and water to exist as well. Imagine basketballs, tennis balls and marbles, all sharing the same space. It is easy to see how air and water can find their way in and through the spaces in between.

The Jar Test

To find out what proportions of sand, silt and clay you have in your soil, try the simple jar test. Start with a jar with a tight-fitting lid. A mayonnaise or canning jar works great. Fill it about halfway with soil from your yard or garden. Add water to the jar until it is almost full. Secure the lid and shake the jar vigorously. Set it down and let the contents settle overnight or longer. What you will find is that the soil has separated into three distinct layers.

The first layer is sand. These are the largest particles. Because they are the heaviest, they settle to the bottom first. The second layer is silt. Silt is a combination of sedimentary materials that are smaller than sand and larger than clay. By weight, they settle in the middle. The third layer is clay. It is the finest and lightest of the three most-solid components of soil.

Now you can easily see proportionately just how loose and sandy or dense and full of clay your soil is. More importantly, it gives you the clues on how to approach amending it for ideal conditions.

The Squeeze Test

Regardless of the current soil structure, you can change what you already have. The goal for amending soil is for it to pass what I call the "squeeze test." If you were to squeeze a handful of ideal garden soil, it would bind together and hold its shape. However, it would also be loose enough so that the lump would crumble or break apart easily if you ran your fingers through it.

Improving Sandy or Loose Soil

In sandy soil, water and nutrients pass through the root zone too quickly. The goal is to increase soil's capacity to hold water and nutrients. Adding organic material helps the sandy particles stick together into aggregates of various sizes. The net effect is that water and nutrients have a chance to bind to these aggregates rather than quickly leaching out. Peat moss and compost are common amendments for improving sandy conditions, but any organic material will help.

Improving Dense or Compacted Soil

Soil that is too dense or compacted retains too much water and too little air. Here the goal is to loosen it. Adding organic material -- such as composted bark, wood chips, composted manure, shredded leaves or compost -- helps to achieve the proper balance. In dense soil, the addition of organic material of various particle sizes allows the smallest particles of clay to bind to them, creating larger aggregates. The result is more space for air and water, and soil that is more sustainable for essential living organisms that promote soil health. Do not add water-retentive material such as peat moss or coir.

(Joe Lamp'l, host of "Growing a Greener World" on PBS, is a Master Gardener and author. For more information, visitwww.joegardener.com. For more stories, visit scrippsnews.com.)

Pigeon Greenway blocked by high water

2011-03-15T16:06:00.000-07:00

EVANSVILLE — Six portions of the Pigeon Creek Greenway were closed Monday morning by high water and strong currents, Evansville Parks and Recreation Department officials said.

Although some trailheads were inundated, low ceilings under street bridges were the worst affected. The passage under Franklin Street accumulated the most significant amount of water, said Glenn Boberg, deputy director of the department.

When the Greenway was built, engineers had to balance flood resistance with low bridges under which pedestrians, cyclists and runners would pass. For the most part, the route stays dry.
The reopening of the Franklin Street bridge and portions of the Greenway will depend on when the waters recede and the trails can be cleaned up.

The reopening of the Franklin Street bridge and portions of the Greenway will depend on when the waters recede and the trails can be cleaned up.

"But when you've got this much rain, it will flood," Boberg said. "Our problem is if we made the trailhead too high, there would have been no headroom."

Along with Franklin Street, other closed locations are the Mead Johnson Trailhead near the Lloyd Expressway, the Kratzville Road Bridge, Uhlhorn Trailhead, the First Avenue Bridge and west of the Garvin Park Trailhead, he said.

The biggest issue is when the waters will recede.

"That all depends on the Ohio, because it's high," Boberg said.

"Then you have the Mississippi, and that's high, too. We aren't going to know much until the water goes down."

The heavy rains prompted meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky., to issue an urban and small-stream flood advisory on Monday for Vanderburgh, Warrick, Gibson, Posey, Pike and Spencer counties.

A weather service prediction calls for rain to continue through tonight. Rains should give way Wednesday to sunny skies, with a high of about 55 degrees, according to the weather service.

Nature center 2

2011-03-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

The new improved nature center in Wesselman park

Nature center

2011-03-12T11:01:00.000-08:00

The new improved nature center in Wesselman park

$16 for a Family of Four Admission Package to Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden

2011-03-11T05:06:00.000-08:00

http://click.e.groupon.com/?qs=7797d72db9d90aa3197267bd85df2ee396de26bf4c1827e52e7ff57e3d4de3089d429004ca7210ba

* Mesker-park-zoo-and-botanic-garden

The Fine Print

* Expires in 1 year
* Limit 1 per family, may buy multiple as gifts. Not valid toward membership. Must be redeemed by 2 adults and 2 children, ages 3-12. Free admission for children 2 years and under.
* See the rules that apply to all deals.

Highlights

* See more than 700 animals
* Amazonia rainforest exhibit
* Botanic garden with hundreds of plant varieties

2011-03-08T21:44:00.000-08:00

working on a "combined info" blog feed. have had it on the site for about a year but I've decided to beef things up a bit.

bookmark this link to stay up to date : http://app.feed.informer.com/digest3/IIUFZE5JJR.rss

Here is a list of feeds included....

Indiana Department of Natural Resources - News Releases
http://www.in.gov/portal/news_events/39061.xml
Mtbr Pro Reviews and Articles
http://reviews.mtbr.com/feed/
Southern Indiana Trails
http://sibiketrails.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default
Bentcrank's Blog
http://bentcrank.wordpress.com/?feed=rss2
BRECK'S BICYCLE SHOP
http://brecksbikeshop.com/feed/
Wild About Nature Blog
http://feeds.feedburner.com/wildaboutnatureblog?format=xml
My Nature Posts -- The Nature Conservancy
http://feeds.feedburner.com/MyNaturePosts?format=xml
BikeRadar.com Mountain Biking
http://feeds2.feedburner.com/BikeRadar/MountainBiking

Audubon Recreation and Naturalist Blog

2011-03-08T21:17:00.000-08:00

We're proud to introduce our Recreation and Naturalist Blog. The blog can be accessed through the John James Audubon State Park website http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/recparks/au/. The direct link is http://www.kspappdev.com/blogs/audubon/. We hope you enjoy it.

Performance Bike – Extra 20% off Clothing & Shoes

2011-03-08T19:13:00.000-08:00

Performance Bike

Copy this code and use it at checkout.

Coupon Code: 764

Performance Bike – Extra 20% off Clothing & Shoes
Some exclusions apply.

20% off - sierratradingpost.com

2011-03-07T15:55:00.001-08:00

Copy this code and use it at checkout.
Coupon Code: ALVMARCH1
SierraTradingPost.com – Extra 20% off your Order
(Expires 04/07/11)

20% off REI

2011-03-07T15:52:00.000-08:00

http://www.rei.com/outlet/coupons/20pctcoupon.html

Offer Exclusions:

* Offer valid 3/3/11 9pm — 3/10/11 11:59pm Pacific Time.
* Offer valid at REI-OUTLET.com only.
* 20% discount will be applied to the highest-price qualifying item in your cart.
* Offer not valid at REI.com, REI stores, REI Adventures or REI Outdoor School.
* Offer not valid on special orders, prior purchases, package discounts, REI gift cards or e-gift cards, gift boxes, memberships, shop services, rentals.
* Offer is limited to stock on hand and backorderable items, is nontransferable and is not redeemable for cash.
* Merchandise purchased with this offer is not eligible for the REI member refund.
* Offer may not be combined with any other discount or offer.
* To order by phone, call 1-800-426-4840 Mon. through Sun., 4am through 11pm Pacific Time.

Top Spot Outdoors 50% 0ff

2011-03-07T05:36:00.000-08:00

Top Spot Outdoors

Description
Offer good towards the purchase of Bike and Boats only. Accessories not included.

Top spot is a shop unlike all others - we pride ourselves on customer service and make sure our customers are outfitted with the highest quality gear and apparel available.

Our customers are the reason we’re here at Top Spot we consider our customers our friends and part of our Top Spot family.

We have one of the best bicycle service shops in the Evansville area. We pride ourselves on quick turn-around, because we know that when cycling is your passion speed is a very important thing.

The store was inspired by our family’s passion for the outdoors and the grandeur of it. We opened our doors in November of 2003 and have been focused on pleasing our customers ever since.

Our showroom speaks for itself as we tried to bring the outdoors inside… from the trees and cabin to the dressing rooms that resemble out houses!! Our main objective is to please our customers and make it obvious that we are not a big box store.

We also offer many free events from day hikes and backpacking trips to bike rides and seminars, at Top Spot we go the extra mile to make our customers smile!

Store Hours:
Mon - Fri: 10 am - 7 pm
Sat: 10 am - 5 pm
Sun: 12 pm - 4 pm

E-Mail: topspotoutdoors@yahoo.com

Restrictions
Not redeemable for cash. Limit one per transaction, Not valid on sale items or previous purchases. Good only on Bikes and Boat purchases. No exceptions.

MARCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS AUDUBON STATE PARK

2011-03-03T21:31:00.000-08:00

MARCH CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Tiny Tot’s Art ~ “Me, Myself & I”
Friday, March 4
JJA Museum
“Little Rembrandt’s”, ages 3-5, will start their 2011 session of Art at Audubon Park, Friday February 4th from 10:30-11:30. The series will be the first Friday of each month through April. Dress for a mess and discover the world of Art. Pre-registration is required.

Staff Contact: Kim McGrew-Liggett Audubon Museum (270) 827-1893 kim.mcgrew@ky.gov
Cost: $5.00 per class

Adult Audubon Art Classes
Saturdays March 5, 12 & 19
JJA Museum
10:00-12:00
*March 5, 12, 19 Pastels Instructor: Kelly Gilbert
*April 2, 9, 16 Watercolors Instructor: Lynn Buckman
Adults and students ages 14 and up are invited to join us in the series of Art classes at the JJA Museum to touch on their creative side and explore the world of art. In March, beginning to intermediate classes will focus on pastels. Pre-registration is required. There is limited space available. Call or email Kim McGrew at kim.mcgrew@ky.gov for pre-registration or a supply list. Each 3-week series will be $45.00 or $20.00 per class.

Emilie Todd Helm: Rebel in the White House
Chautauqua performance presented by Betsy Smith
Saturday, March 5
1-2 pm
Audubon Museum
Join us as we recognize the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's presidential inauguration and the 150th anniversary of the start of the American Civil War.

As the sister of Mary Todd Lincoln and the wife of Confederate General Benjamin Hardin Helm, Emilie Todd Helm had a front row view of history during and after the Civil War. Benjamin Helm turned down a personal offer from Lincoln to become paymaster of the Union Army with the rank of major, choosing instead to join the Confederacy and become the president’s “rebel brother-in-law.” After Helm was killed at Chickamauga, President and Mrs. Lincoln invited Emilie to come to the White House. As a southern loyalist and widow of the commander of the famous Orphan Brigade, her presence in the While House aroused protests. Emilie Todd Helm weathered the ordeals of the war and reconstruction and landed in Elizabethtown, where three consecutive presidents appointed her postmistress. Helm attended many Confederate reunions, where she was hailed as the Mother of the Orphan Brigade.

This program was funded by the Kentucky Humanities Council, Inc. and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov
Cost: Free

Adult Artists Retreat
Friday, March 18h
JJA Museum
Beginning to advanced artists, are invited to participate in the all day Artist Retreats monthly from 9:00-3:00pm. Bring your own artwork and supplies. Lunch will be potluck. Special speakers and noon programs will vary monthly. For further information about this program, please contact Kim McGrew at the JJA Museum. Pre-registration is required.

Staff Contact: Kim McGrew-Liggett Audubon Museum (270) 827-1893 kim.mcgrew@ky.gov
Cost: $15, due the day of.

“Walk on the Wild Side”: Nature Programs for Toddlers
Fridays Mar. 11, Mar 25
10:00 a.m.
Museum – Bird Observation Center
Toddlers 3 – 5 years old. These 30-45-minute interactive programs will explore what nature has to offer. With each new topic toddlers will discover how wildlife and nature shapes the world we live in. Each program will involve one or more of the following activities: games, crafts, live animal visit, hike, or songs.

March 11: Tree Cookies

Every year trees grow a little more until they grow so big that they are bigger than many buildings. We’ll make our own tree cookie necklaces and learn how trees grow.

March 25: Spring into Spring

There are lots of animals that hop - grasshoppers, frogs, rabbits just to name a few. How would we compare if they grew to the size of a toddler.

Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov
Cost: $2.00

Primitive Tri-state Presented by local historian Harold Morgan
Saturday, March 12
2 p.m.-3 p.m.
Audubon Museum
The tri-state area was not always a patchwork of roads, stores and gas stations. Local historian, Harold Morgan will uncover the lives of early residents and the challenges they faced. The program will include tri-state Native Americans and notable pioneers like Hugh McGary, a Henderson resident that built Evansville, John James Audubon, Thomas and Abraham Lincoln, John Pitcher, and Alvin P. Hovey. Early residents were brave, intelligent and inventive men and women, most having had no real education yet they could build by hand what was needed to survive.

Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov
Cost: Free

Audubon Hikers Club Staff-led tour
Saturday, March 19
9-10:30am
Park Office

Wilderness Survival
Saturday, March 19
Noon. – 3 p.m.
Meet at the Audubon Museum
Have you ever tried to make a fire without matches, find your way in the forest, or build a temporary shelter? Youth ages 10-16 will study and practice these survival skills while learning how to make use of the surrounding resources. Please call to register.

Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov
Cost: $5.00 per person

“Magic Mysteries Workshop”
Saturday, March 26
1-4pm
Students ages 9-14 will dazzle up the afternoon at the JJA Museum learning Magic tricks and the art of twisting Balloons. Magician and Artist Daniel Herron will host the 3-hour workshop full of EXCITEMENT AND SURPRISES! All students will get a magic and balloon kit. Kit includes: a wand, deck of cards, balloons, pump and more. Pre-register now, class is limited. For more info or registration contact: Kim McGrew at the JJA Museum (270) 827-1893

Staff Contact: Kim McGrew-Liggett kim.mcgrew@ky.gov
Class Fee: $25 per student
Material fee: $15

“After Nature” Art Exhibit
Exhibit dates: March 31-June 12
Audubon Museum presents “After Nature”, a captivating botanical show by Artist Michael Aakhus. Michael is an Artist, Professor and presently acting as the Dean of Arts at USI. His work has been exhibited widely and is represented in many public and private collections throughout the world. The work in this exhibition will be based on paintings and photographs inspired by travel and the natural world. A new area of exploration will be combining images of flowers with human figures taken from photo documentation done at various sites around the world. The work will continue to examine diverse cultures and landscapes with an eye to bring together many different elements in a rich tapestry of expressive color and iconography. The public is invited to the opening reception Thursday, March 31st from 6:00-7:30 at the JJA Museum.

Staff Contact: Kim McGrew-Liggett at (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov
FREE to the public

April 2011

Tiny Tot’s Art ~ “Funny Bunnies Art”
Friday April 1st
JJA Museum
“Little Rembrandt’s”, ages 3-5, will start their 2011 session of Art at Audubon Park, Friday February 4th from 10:30-11:30. The series will be the first Friday of each month through April. Dress for a mess and discover the world of Art. Pre-registration is required.

Staff Contact: Kim McGrew-Liggett Audubon Museum (270) 827-1893 kim.mcgrew@ky.gov
Cost: $5.00 per class

Adult Audubon Art Classes
Saturday’s April 2,9,16
JJA Museum
10:00-12:00
Adults and students ages 14 and up are invited to join us in the series of Art classes at the JJA Museum to touch on their creative side and explore the world of art. February, beginning to intermediate classes will focus on drawing techniques. Pre-registration is required. The instructor will be Lynn Buckman. Limited space available. Call or email Kim McGrew at kim.mcgrew@ky.gov for pre-registration or a supply list. Each 3-week series will be $45.00 or $20.00 per class.

“Spring Break Bash”
Wednesday, April 6 (ages 6-8)
Thursday, April 7 (ages 8-12)
9:00-2:00
Having those Spring Break Blues-NO MORE! Visit the John James Audubon State Park. Students ages 6-12 are invited to the “Spring Break Bash”, an all-day adventure just for you. Wednesday, March 31 will be for ages 6-8, and Thursday, April 1 for ages 8-12. Artist Kim McGrew and Naturalist Julie McDonald will have the day filled with awesome art and nature programs. Bring a sack lunch. Pre-registration is required. Limited spaces available.

Staff Contact: Kim McGrew-Liggett (270) 827-1893 kim.mcgrew@ky.gov
Cost: $12.00 (includes Audubon t-shirt and supplies)

Wildflower Extravaganza
Saturday, April 2
9 a.m., 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m.
Audubon Museum
Join us for three leisurely hikes to see the vibrant forest flora. Additional programs for all ages will also be available.

Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov
Cost: Free

“Walk on the Wild Side”: Nature Programs for Toddlers
Friday April 8
10:00 a.m.
Museum – Bird Observation Center
Toddlers 3 – 5 years old. These 30-45-minute interactive programs will explore what nature has to offer. With each new topic toddlers will discover how wildlife and nature shapes the world we live in. Each program will involve one or more of the following activities: games, crafts, live animal visit, hike, or songs.

April 8: Wildflower Explosion

Springtime brings beautiful new flowers. Join us as we take a walk to discover the flowers of the woods, their importance to the park animals, and why these flowers are best left in the woods and not in a vase.

Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at 270-826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov
Cost: $2.00

Maple Sugarbush Festival and Pancake Breakfast.

2011-03-03T04:58:00.000-08:00

Saturday, March 5
& Sunday March 6, 2011
7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve

To taste pure maple syrup is to taste a product born of the pure essence of nature. Or as American naturalist and essayist John Burroughs describes this maple magic, ". . . it has a wild delicacy of flavor that no other sweet can match."

You and your family will have an opportunity to sample some of our home grown maple syrup from Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve during the Maple Sugarbush Festival and Pancake Breakfast.

Admission: $7 adults (13 and over); $4 youth; children 3 and under are free! Discounted admission for Wesselman Nature Society members.

Diamondback Men's Response XE Mountain Bike w/ free shipping

2011-03-01T17:08:00.000-08:00

Diamondback Men's Response XE Mountain Bike

$329.99

Product Rating

3.7 stars

(12 Ratings)

Write a Review

( 12 Reviews )

Free Shipping on entire order FSHAFLWK5 - exp 03/05/11
or Free shipping on $99 up.

Get a head start on spring!!!

2011-02-27T18:53:00.000-08:00

Wildflower Seed from the The Butterfly Garden


Wildflower Seeds- 1000+ Low Growing $4.72	30,000 Red Corn Poppy Seeds With FREE SHIPP... $3.50	1,400 Cosmos Sensation Seeds with Free Ship... $3.53

2,700 Shasta Daisy Seeds with Free Shipping $3.75	26,000 Black Eyed Susan Flower Seeds with F... $3.67	Wildflower Seeds - 1000+ Partial Shade $6.04

2,000 Bachelor Button Seeds with Free Shipp... $3.53	Mexican Hat Flower Seeds - 12,800 Seed in E... $3.75	Wildflower Butterfly Mix - 1000+ Seeds $4.55

Evansville's Wednesday Night Worlds

2011-02-27T18:41:00.000-08:00

Location

1901 Lynch Road • Evansville , IN 47711

Evansville, IN, 47711

Hours

Wed:

5:30 pm

8:00 pm

About

Wednesday Night Worlds

Description	Taking place every wednesday night from April until the end of July, cyclist and spectators alike are invited to take place in Evansville's first year of Wednesday Night Worlds! THIS IS A CIRCUIT-STYLE RACE!!! The event will take place at the EVSC Career and Tech Center located at 1901 Lynch Road • Evansville , IN 47711 The 0.8 mile loop will be closed off to vehicles; we ask that all vehicles enter from Lynch road as there is a parking lot at the center and we will have a marshall guiding traffic. There will be two races every Wednesday; -----Beginning at 5:30 pm------- 15 lap--Suggested for newcomers as well as beginning racers! Every fifth lap (5/10/15) is a sprint lap. -----Beginning at 6:45 pm------- 30 lap--Suggested for experienced cyclists and racers. Every fifth lap starting at lap (10) is a sprint lap (10,15,20,25,30) During the month of July, a points series will begin and the following will be rewarded with trophies for BOTH distance of races; Overall Points: 1st, 2nd, 3rd Registration fee ($10) and signing of USAC liability waiver is required during the month of July---April through June will be 'practice' months. For any questions, concerns, or information regarding this event, please contact Nick Yates at (304) 553-2891 or Y_A_T_E_S_N@yahoo.com Thanks! And see you at the worlds. Taking place every wednesday night from April until the end of July, cyclist and spectators alike are invited to take place in Evansville's first year of Wednesday Night Worlds! THIS IS A CIRCUIT-STYLE RACE!!! The event will take place at the EVSC Career and Tech Center located at 1901 Lynch Road • Evansville , IN 47711 The 0.8 mile loop will be closed off to vehicles; we ask that all vehicles enter from Lynch road as there is a parking lot at the center and we will have a marshall guiding
Price Range	$ (0-10)
Parking	Street Parking Lot

Email	Y_A_T_E_S_N@yahoo.com
Phone	(304)553-2891

http://www.facebook.com/WedWorlds

The Evansville Mountain Bike Association

2011-02-27T14:45:00.000-08:00

Basic Information

Location	Evansville, IN

General Information	The Evansville Mountain Bike Association is a non-profit organization devoted to connecting Mountain Bikers in the Henderson (KY), Owensboro (KY), and Evansville (IN) area for rides, trail construction/maintenance, conservation work, and social activities. EMBA is a new start for the old and fondly remembered Evansville Mountain Bike Association.
Mission	Connecting local Mountain Bikers for discussion, rides, trail building, conservation, and social activities.
Products	Fun

Email	thehoov@wowway.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Evansville-Mountain-Bike-Association/180223855347554

Xterra Off-Road Triathlon

2011-02-21T18:16:00.000-08:00

Xterra Off-Road Triathlon

June 4, 2011

800 W. Tennyson Road, Boonville, Indiana,

(812) 426-6210 Website

Venture off the beaten path with an open-water swim, a mountain bike ride and a trail run surrounded by the park's 66-acre lake and more than 400 acres of wooded property.

More Info Reviews Map

Maple Sugarbush Festival

2011-02-21T18:14:00.000-08:00

Maple Sugarbush Festival

March 5 - 6, 2011

551 N. Boeke Rd., Evansville, IN, 47711 Website

The 200-acre Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve is a nationally recognized landmark and sanctuary for trees and wildlife. The urban forest, which includes more than six miles of walking trails and trees estimated to be nearly 300 years old, produces sap that becomes pure maple syrup. Taste it at this annual festival. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

More Info Reviews Map

4th Annual Ohio Valley Birding Festival

2011-02-21T18:12:00.000-08:00

Ohio Valley Birding Festival

April 28, 2011 - May 1, 2011

Website

Evansville Audubon Society presents the 4th Annual Ohio Valley Birding Festival - four days of hikes, lectures, workshops and other activities designed to introduce people of all ages to the fascinating world of birds and birding. Hike to some of the hottest birding spots in southern Indiana with some of the area's best guides. Participate in a bird banding workshop or go on an owl prowl. Learn how to identify birds and create a haven for them to your own backyard.

More Info Reviews Map

2011-01-31T14:49:00.000-08:00

eDeals offers online coupon codes for many of your favorite online stores. Edeals, changing the way you shop online.

Stores of interest:

Target
Macy's
Best Buy
Old Navy
Sears
Kohls
Dillards
JC Penny
Walmart

Grocery Savings. Your Kitchen is a Goldmine!

2011-01-31T14:28:00.000-08:00

Your food budget is the most flexible area of your household budget. Grocery savings will free up a significant amount of money if you need to balance the budget, or fund your savings accounts.

If you haven’t figured it out already, your kitchen is a Goldmine. There are numerous ways to reduce the grocery budget and free up funds to use in other areas.

How much should you be spending on groceries?

The USDA Food Plans at the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion suggests that a family of four is currently spending about $100 to $116 per week based on the "Thrifty Plan", depending on the age of children. Anyone trying to reduce the food budget should follow the guidelines for the "thrifty plan."

This should give you at least some idea what the average family spends.
I recommend you shoot for something less than that figure if at all possible by implementing as many of these grocery saving tips as possible!

* Eliminate eating out! Period! - O.K. if you’re family is screaming mad at you then take them out at least once a month.
Make it an occasion. Most of us get caught up in fast paced living and eat out at least one or two times per week. It’s just an insane waste of money.

Your family will appreciate a dinner out much more when it's not such a regular event. Consider it “quality time out”. And, remember to look for coupons good at local restaurants for additional savings.

* Minimize the use of convenience foods. - You can make it yourself for a fraction of the cost, try it! Many of us are so accustomed to convenience foods that we forget we can make it ourselves. If you already love to cook from scratch then congrats! For the rest, I know this is a scary thought. It’s hard to go back into the kitchen and actually get your hands dirty. However, I must insist you try this. There’s gold in them there hands! Use ‘em.

If you don’t have a lot of time, don’t worry there are literally hundreds of recipe books for the busy lifestyle. There are many that promote frugal living as well.

You'll find substitute recipes for everything from baking mixes to shake and bake and salad dressing. All it takes is a little extra time. Even if you had to pay yourself for doing the cooking you would come out ahead.

* Do your homework! - Know what’s on sale and plan your menu around the weekly sales flyers. Investing a little extra time in planning will help maximize grocery savings and reduce the food budget! I make it a rule to never buy meat over $2 a pound. Although I allow myself $2, I usually only spend on average 39 cents to $1.69. Occasionally, (rarely) I indulge in something special if it’s a good value.

* Eat meatless meals at least twice a week. - Beans and rice are a good example. Egg dishes are a nice change in routine for dinner. Try a vegetable stir fry or casserole.

* Don’t use packaged mixes. - Cake, breads, muffins, pastry, pizza dough, pancake, and waffles all come in a variety of pre-packaged mixes. Make your own for not much more effort and a lot less money!

* Know what your local stores offer. - Which ones have the lowest prices? Start carrying a little memo book to record prices of items you buy regularly. You can organize trips to save time and money when planning your grocery shopping.

Who accepts coupons and do they double? Do they have a rebate program? Do they have a clearance or bargain area? Which grocery stores accept additional discount programs like ValuPage?

* Build your coupon file! - It seems coupons are available everywhere now. Your newspaper is a great starting point. Pay careful attention when looking through magazines. These are easy to miss. I often find coupons in home, ladies, or cooking magazines.

Check out the free grocery coupons on-line. Be sure to do your research, many stores do not accept computer generated coupons due to the high incidence of fraud. Be sure not to waste your valuable time on this one if you don't have a local store that accepts them.

Be an informed consumer. I can’t stress this enough!

Informed consumer = More grocery savings!

Once you know where to shop, use all your resources. Combine rebates, sales, and coupons whenever possible for maximum grocery savings. This takes a bit more dedication but, you can literally get paid to purchase items if you’re willing to invest the time. Grocery savings aren't just for the grocery store. Many drugstores now have food sections where you can save on groceries.

Here's a great tip: Always check your cash register receipt. Many stores offer a refund of full price policy for items that do not register the correct sale price. I have cashed in on this one many times. Remember, these price adjustments are usually entered by humans. Human error is always a possibility, so cash in on it! Because of a simple mistake, you have increased your grocery savings!

If you....
# Plan ahead - Use your sale flyers to plan weekly meals.

# Use what you have on hand first - Plan meals based on foods you have in your fridge, freezer, and cabinets already

# Utilize your savings tips - Get more for your money using a combination of resources listed above

# Make it yourself whenever possible

....You will be able to tap into that Goldmine hiding in your very own kitchen!

2011-01-31T09:39:00.000-08:00

OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) - $25,000 from Owensboro's Wellness Fund is paying for new biking and hiking trails at Ben Hawes Park.

Work has already started but leftover storm debris is making the job tough.

"I've gotten into some thicker areas now," Alex Stewart of Spectrum Trail Design says.

Left over debris from Hurricane Ike and 2009's ice storm has made marking these trails pretty challenging for Alex Stewart.

"This project is harder than most because of all the stuff on the ground," says Stewart.

Before construction can start on the new hiking and biking trails at Ben Hawes Park there's still a lot to do.

"We're going in and cutting some of the bushes and things like that. Tree logs, things that are in the way," Grounds Manager Eddie Atherton says.

With a good pair of walking shoes Stewart is on his way.

"I probably have five or six miles on my boots today," says Stewart.

Day by day, until these pink flags cover six miles of trails, Stewart will make sure the design will work.

"I'm basically scouting the land to find all of the positive and negative control points. All the places we want to go to and all the places we want to avoid then trying to connect these areas," Stewart says. "For this segment we're going to run an average grade of about four percent."

Stewart ties a ribbon at the entrances which represents zero.

"Then I go down hill and use my climometer and I check my grade from the last ribbon I tied at four percent below and then tie this one at zero," Stewart says.

This creates an imaginary line through the woods allowing Stewart to retrace his steps and mark the corridor with flags.

Once this process is complete for all the trails, city maintenance and jail crews can remove debris.

"Some of those trails already existed, that they're connecting to and crossing," Atherton says.

Crews will also learn how to build and maintain trails for future projects.

2011-01-24T15:48:00.000-08:00

Do you always have difficulties finding things to buy for your friends and families for birthdays, holidays, or special events? Discount restaurant gift certificates are great gifts for many occasions, especially for families who have limited budgets but like to dine out.

Restaurant gift card is a great gift for people who do not like to cook, or simply do not have time to cook. It is also a great house warming gift. When you just move into a new home and try to get everything together, spending time in the kitchen might not be a priority. Instead of giving them a blender that they might have already, giving them restaurant certificates of their neighborhood restaurants is more practical and will make their life easier.

You can find discount restaurant certificates on the Internet quite easily. Here are four places you can get them online.

1. eBay

You can find many discount restaurant gift certificates for sale on eBay. Some people might have received gift cards for a restaurant that they do not like, or the restaurant is simply too far away from home. Therefore, many people try to sell it on eBay to get some cash back.

2. Restaurant.com

Restaurant.com sells restaurant gift certificates at a huge discount. You can buy a $100 restaurant certificates for $30.

3. Costco

I was browsing on Costco website the other day, and I realized they also offer restaurant certificates at discounted prices. Costco sells gift cards for several popular restaurants in my area at 20% off. Usually they come in a gift pack. For instance, they sell two $50 certificates for $80. Although they do not have a large selection, it is worth checking if you have a Costco membership.

4. Entertainment Books

Although Entertainment Books is not necessarily a "gift card," it contains many restaurant coupons. There are many "buy one get one free" type of discount restaurant coupons. Best of all, if you plan to buy Entertainment Books for your friends as house warming gifts, the book would help them to find out more about their neighborhood stores.

Entertainment Book has coupons for many popular national restaurants, such as Subway, Cold Stone Creamery, and Quizno. You can also find tons of local restaurant coupons in the books. They make great Christmas gifts since your friends will have an entire year to use all the coupons in the book.

I hope these four ways of purchasing discount restaurant gift certificates give you some ideas of what to buy for your friends and families who already have a lot of things in their homes. Giving a good dining experience is just as good as giving any physical gifts.

Breck's henderson bicycle shop to relocate

2011-01-16T09:43:00.000-08:00

Henderson Store To Be Relocated
Our families would like to thank the citizens of Henderson and all our loyal customers for their friendship over the last two years. We have made so many new friends, and hold so many of you close to our hearts.

It is with mixed emotions that we announce we are moving the Henderson location of Breck’s Bicycle Shop to a new location at 6219 Vogel Road in Evansville, Ind. at the former Gus Doerner building. The decision did not come easy for us ... but the move will allow us to have a much-expanded selection of all the top brand names in bikes, with more than 3,000 square feet of space!! It is an exciting move for our business, and we hope you will continue to visit us at our new location!!

The Henderson shop will be closing as of Dec. 31, 2010, as we prepare for the move. The Evansville store will open Feb. 1, 2011. In the meantime, please visit us at the Owensboro store on 1728 Sweeney St. or by calling 270-683-7200.

To reach us at the Evansville store after Jan. 1, please call 812-402-7433

Again, thank you so much for choosing Breck’s Bicycle Shop for your cycling needs!! And for those of you who may be wondering ...yes -- we plan to continue hosting Monday night community rides in Henderson this spring and summer!!

Industrial Corridor To Be Completed in Dec. 2011

2010-12-05T08:58:00.000-08:00

Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel announced a major accomplishment to finish the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage Industrial Corridor by December 2011. Nearly $2 million in Federal Surface Transportation Program(STP) funds will be utilized to finish Phases 3 & 4. This will connect the Riverfront and Middle Levee Corridors and create 6.75 miles of continuous Greenway. Additional STP funds will be utilized to design the Greenway Passage eastward to connect with Glenwood Middle School, Hi Rail and up along Garvin Street and Stringtown Road to connect back with the Heidelbach Canoe Launch for a complete loop of 14 miles. Preliminary engineering will also design the trail out to the Angel Mounds State Historic Site; design a pedestrian bridge over the Lloyd Expressway near Vann Avenue, and design other pedestrian and bicycle routes Click on thes links for the Press Release and the Maps showing the new plans.

Second leg of Newburgh bike path opens to public

2010-12-05T08:07:00.000-08:00

By Susan Orr

NEWBURGH — When Jim Seibert feels like taking a walk or a bicycle ride, the opportunity to do so is right at his doorstep.

Seibert lives on French Island Trail, and the newest section of Newburgh's Rivertown Trail passes within a few feet of his front door.

Several times a week Seibert uses the trail, and he's in good company when he does.

"It is just packed with people every day — and it's not just Newburgh people," Seibert said.

Local residents and elected officials gathered Saturday to dedicate Phase Two of the Rivertown Trail. The 1.65-mile walking and cycling path extends from the Old Lock and Dam Park to the new lock and dam east of town. This portion of the trail is an extension of the original part of the trail, a 1-mile stretch which runs from the Old Lock and Dam Park west to the intersection of Indiana 662 and Yorkshire Road.

The new stretch is an asphalt trail that varies from 6 to 10 feet wide, with benches and trash cans at periodic intervals. In spots where the trail runs near French Island Trail, safety curbing separates trail from road. Likewise, metal railings keep users from veering off the trail in areas where the adjacent land slopes steeply toward the Ohio River.

The trail has been a major effort for the small town, which has partnered with Warrick County officials and the Army Corps of Engineers on the project.

Newburgh Town Manager Cynthia Burger said community leaders started talking about building a trail about 15 years ago, though efforts did not begin in earnest until 2004.

Phase Two alone cost $2.7 million, Burger said, and that cost was covered through several sources. The town received $1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money. Federal and state transportation funding, Warrick County Council, the Alcoa Foundation, the Women's Club of Newburgh, the Newburgh Garden Club and individual donors also helped the town pay for the project.

Construction itself also posed some challenges.

Portions of the trail run adjacent to the river, and in spots the land slopes steeply between trail and river.

In order to stabilize the ground, general contractor Ragle Inc. had to drive steel pilings 10 feet below bedrock.

For several months, the eastbound lane of French Island Trail was closed to accommodate trail construction. And while Ragle was doing the piledriving work, both lanes of the road were closed.

Installing the metal railings was another big challenge, Ragle said, because the uneven topography made it difficult to install the sections so they would be even with one another.

Those involved with the project said the work was worth it.

Burger, who said she uses the trail daily, said she can tell from vehicle license plates that the trail is drawing people from beyond Newburgh.

"We also see a lot of '82' (Vanderburgh County) license plates, so we know people from Evansville are using it — and that's great."

Trail work is not yet complete.

The Alcoa Foundation has donated money in order to construct a Phase Two trail spur that extends up Indian Hill to Overlook Park. That portion should be completed by spring, Burger said.

The city also envisions a Phase Three, which would extend the trail west 1.85 miles, from Yorkshire Road to Angel Mounds State Historic Site. The goal, Burger said, is to connect the Rivertown Trail with Evansville's Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage, which is also planned to extend to Angel Mounds.

Newburgh has had preliminary design work done for Phase Three, Burger said, but it still has to find money for construction.

Bike path is paved and ready for traffic: Enthusiasts hope project is first of many in county

2010-12-04T10:14:00.000-08:00

By Frank Boyett
Henderson County's first stand-alone bicycle path is ready for rolling -- and boosters are hoping it becomes the initial spoke in a big wheel.

The path, which was paved Friday, starts at the cul de sac at the end of Barret Boulevard, goes behind the Wal-Mart and Lowes stores, and then follows the drainage all the way to Kimsey Lane.

It's a nice way for bicyclists to avoid heavy traffic on the U.S. 60-U.S. 41 cloverleaf, as well provides an easy walk for Redbanks and Redbanks Towers residents to get to Hoffman Plaza shopping center.

But "it is not for motorized vehicles," stressed County Engineer Bill Hubiak. "What we have right now is three-quarters of a mile of the first 10-foot-wide section of the bike path. I hope it's utilized. People have already been biking on it before it was blacktopped."

The idea of local bicycle paths has been percolating for 35 years. The widening of south Green Street provided a bicycle lane earlier this year, but Friday's paving provided the county with its first bona fide bike path.

It came about because District Judge Charlie McCollom approached Wal-Mart manager Gary Cunningham last year to see if the store would get on board. The two men then made a presentation to Henderson Fiscal Court Sept. 15, 2009, asking for government support for the idea.

Late Judge-executive Sandy Watkins was enthusiastic, and made sure that $75,000 of coal severance tax funds got allocated by the General Assembly to pay for the bulk of the cost. He also arranged for the donation of right of way by the Boynton Merrill family, which county road crews did the construction.

"It was something that Sandy had worked on and deserves credit for," said Judge-executive Hugh McCormick. "He was the one who led the charge to get it done.

"I'm just proud it's there and wish he was here to see it. Hopefully, it's just the start of more and more trails to come."

Watkins had envisioned a county-wide network of trails, and McCormick said he wants to continue working toward that vision.

"It'll take us a while to catch up with Daviess County, but we'll do our best."

McCollom, who has advocated local bicycle paths since about 1990, said "I'm hoping this will spark something and people will see it's a really good thing.

"I've always thought if we could ever get one thing going and people could see what it does they would want it and it would really be a boost. That's what's happened in Daviess County."

"I'm excited about it," said Nibby Priest, an avid local biker. "It's long overdue for Henderson, Ky. It's a great way people who live on U.S. 60 to bypass the traffic on the cloverleaf. It's the start of something really big for bicycling in Henderson."

More improvements are yet to come on the bike path. Cunningham got a $2,000 grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation and turned it over to fiscal court. Hubiak said that money will be used "to put up a little shelter area so people can picnic or rest. We'll be putting that right behind Wal-Mart."

Also, Henderson Municipal Power & Light is contemplating installing lighting along the path, according to Steve Smith, transmission and distribution manager.

"We're working on that, but it's not been approved officially," he said. "We cannot say we're going to do it at this time. Hopefully, it's going to be worked out so we can."

Spare a few minutes of your time to send an email

2010-11-06T12:43:00.000-07:00

Who: You.
What: Help save/create a trail.
When: Now.
Where: Ben Hawes Park - Owensboro, KY.
Why: Because things have gotten silly.
How: Spare a few minutes of your time to send an email.

Back in 2005 local volunteers began developing and maintaining multi-use single-track trails at Ben Hawes Park in Owensboro, Ky. Over the course of the last few years an initiative was started to improve the quality by creating a flowy, sustainable, contour, gateway trail that adheres to the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) standards. In the fall/winter of 2008 we submitted a Recreational Trials Program (RTP) Grant to help obtain this goal. Shortly thereafter the park was closed as a result of the devastating 2009 Ice Storm.
The single-track trails remain closed to this very day. Some fire road and double track trails have been reopened. However, these trails do not meet the needs and desires of the user groups.

Meanwhile, Ben Hawes was identified as a successful 2009 RTP Grant recipient, Unfortunately, the grant project has been plagued with multiple challenges, has been bogged down with red tape and has experienced several delays by our Federal, State and City Governments.
In the last couple of months the project appeared to be gaining momentum and heading in the right direction until this latest issue.....

There's a clause in the Kentucky RTP Grant terms and conditions stating that the recipient is obligated to keep the trails open for public use in perpetuity (forever). Owensboro's management team has determined that this obligation is not in the City's best interest and will not be going forward with the grant. The City of Owensboro is not willing to accept these funds until an official long term plan has been established. (Evidently, there's a slight chance that the city could potentially develop the property. In the event the land would not be used for recreational purposes.)

Fortunately, The Parks Director believes in this project and is developing an alternate plan to continue with the project in house without the assistance of the grant. If approved, this alternate plan will take much longer delaying the project for at least another full season. That would make three years without our local trail. This is unacceptable. Trial construction season is upon us. We must act now and we need your help.

I respectfully ask that you spare a minute of your valuable time to call and/or write our Owensboro City decision makers. Tactfully voice your opinion and kindly explain how important it is that this project be given a higher priority.
You might express how much you miss it or let the know that you would visit Owensboro more often if there was a quality trail. Explain, how tired you are of traveling two hours away to hike or bike the nearest quality trail system. I don't care if you tell them how much you hated it but it was better than nothing. Just tell them something.

Lets not allow countless volunteer hours and years of advocacy efforts go to waste.

We need your help and we need it now! Please call or email the following:

Mayor Ron Payne
E-Mail Address: mayor@owensboro.org
Phone Number: 270-687-8561

Mayor Pro-Tem Charlie Castlen
E-Mail Address: castlencha@owensboro.org
Phone Number: 270-687-8566

Commissioner John Kazlauskas
E-Mail Address: kazlauskasjm@owensboro.org
Phone Number: 270-687-8563

Commissioner Candance Brake
E-Mail Address: brakecc@owensboro.org
Phone Number: 270-687-8565

Commissioner David Johnson
E-Mail Address: johnsondl@owensboro.org
Phone Number: 270-687-8564

http://www.owensboro.org/government/contact/officials

Thank you,
Richard Dixon
270/852-3747

USI setting out on trail project today

2010-10-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

School, coalition seek volunteer workers to make a difference

The first of several improvement projects on local walking and biking trails will start at 9 a.m. today at the University of Southern Indiana.

Today's work will be done on trails near the baseball field at the southern end of the campus and that connect to Burdette Park.

Improvements include the assembly of picnic tables, planting native bushes and installing signs to mark the connection between the hiking and biking trail.

The school partnered with the Evansville Trails Coalition, which identified several local trails that will be receive attention through next spring.

At least three work days are planned for the remainder of 2010.

Anne Statham, director of service learning at USI, said the work is part of a larger focus on cocurricular service learning.

"The clubs and groups on campus already do a lot in the community," she said. "We are just trying to better organize these efforts."

Managing the process creates an opportunity to set learning objectives for students and make them reflect on the outcomes of the project, which might not happen during ordinary volunteering.

Beyond students from USI, other volunteers from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana, the Boys and Girls Club, Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. after-school programs and the public are expected to participate.

Funding needed for project materials comes from a variety of sources. The university is paying for some of the materials that will be used on the campus, while grants will cover the difference and materials needed for off-campus projects.

Statham said three grants have already been secured. She hopes to receive a total of $8,000 to support the work.

Volunteers interested in helping today are asked to wear old clothes and closed-toe shoes.

Those interested in participating in upcoming service days can find more details at the Evansville Area Trails Coalition's website, www.evansville-areatrailscoalition.org.

How the leaves change color?

2010-09-26T06:06:00.000-07:00

Trees are very important, they serve numerous purposes, yet their most important function is taking in carbon dioxide and giving off oxygen. Chlorophyll is the chemical that makes leaves green, and it's responsible for absorbing sunlight. This makes the energy needed to change carbon dioxide and water into food for the tree. When fall arrives, colder temperatures and Enjoy beautiful backroads throughout Brown County.longer nights cause the leaves to stop making food, and the chlorophyll disappears. Once the chlorophyll is gone, out come the beautiful colors! After the color change, the leaves die, the stem becomes frail and they fall to the ground...

Did you know you can identify a tree from its leaf colors?

Oaks: red, brown or russet
Hickory: golden bronze Endless Colors!
Dogwood: purple-red
Birch: bright yellow
Poplar: golden yellow
Maple trees show a whole range of colors:

Sugar Maple: orange-red
Black Maple: glowing yellow
Red Maple: bright scarlet

Fall Splendor at Brown County

Harvest Festival & Hayrides at Wesselman Woods

2010-09-18T15:26:00.001-07:00

Horse-Drawn Hayrides, Guided Night Hikes, Marshmallow Roasting, Raptor, Show, Children’s Crafts, And Much More!

Experience the changing seasons at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve while enjoying the thrills and traditions of autumn at the two-day, family oriented Harvest Festival & Hayrides on October 22 and 23 from 5-8:30 p.m. Horse-drawn hayrides will carry you through Wesselman Park while you learn about nature preparing for winter. Meanwhile several of the Preserve’s inhabitants–including our raptors and reptiles – are waiting to meet you at Odonata Pond in the Nature Preserve.

Take a guided hike through the woods at night to listen for wildlife and see an after-hours side of the Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve rarely seen by visitors. Hands-on learning experiences abound at this event with stargazing, insect identification, sensory games, and more. Enjoy roasting marshmallows over our welcoming campfire, or purchase seasonal concessions.

All proceeds will be used to help support the educational and nature related programs Wesselman Nature Society provides throughout the year. The event costs $7 a person, or $25 per family (max. 5 people). Children 3 & under are free. For more information call (812) 479-0771 ext. 102, or email lpreske@wesselmannaturesociety.org.

Free bikes for kids

2010-05-08T17:52:00.000-07:00

Southern Indiana Bike Share

Our Bike Share Program is a personal initiative to collect used bikes and bike parts to restore for donation.

Each bike will cleaned and retored to proper safe working conditions, which means all working parts will be inspected, repaired or replaced.
We are dedicated to the idea that a used bike can have a direct impact on a child's freedom, self-esteem and mobility.

What does a bike mean to a child? With a bike, a kid can ride to parks and playgrounds, go for a spin with friends, get to a boys and girls club, mentoring or after-school program, and stay active.

Do you have a kid's bike that you no longer need? You can:

....give a child the chance to be active, get outdoors and have fun!

.....give youth a healthy, positive focus

.....do something good for the planet

.....teach kids about giving

Donate your used bike to help another child.

Southern Illinois' annual Cache River Nature Fest is next Saturday

2010-04-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

By Rich Davis

ULLIN, Ill. — Think of it as Louisiana without the alligators, a southern swamp in a northernmost range.

That's how residents of this area near the tip of Southern Illinois (about two hours southwest of Evansville) describe the Cache River State Natural Area with its wetlands, ancient cypress trees and a yellow songbird known as a prothonotary warbler.

The warbler arrives here each spring from the tropics, one of many small, quick and beautifully colored migratory birds that push the number of bird species to around 200.

Drive, hike or even bike these parts and you'll come upon an elevated boardwalk south of the interactive Wetlands Center (visitor information) on Illinois 37 — a place where the stubby "knees" of cypress trees pop up from underground root systems and river birch give way to American elm and swampy tupelo trees.

A 10-minute drive east brings you to Heron Pond. A rock trail leads over a bridge and past a soft man-made rapids and trees chewed by beavers, past May apples, trillium, trout lilies and other spring flowers, past chirping birds.

Once quiet descends, you'll see in the distance a floating boardwalk that zigzags into 15 acres of watery forest. Stately cypress with flared bottoms seem almost cathedral-like as sun filters through them onto the tea-colored water covered with green duckweed.

Some of the 75-foot-high trees may be a thousand years old, it's said.

Nearly 40,000 acres of the Cache region — where the geographic properties of four U.S. regions overlap — have been preserved by the Nature Conservancy, Illinois Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The result is a mix of landscapes, from Ozark foothills to hardwood forests and bottomland swamps.

Endangered species

There are more than 100 threatened or endangered species here, an ancient Ohio River created the flood plain, in the 1970s the swamp was saved from massive drainage projects and the Cache River Basin is a "wetlands of international importance," one of only six U.S. areas where four regions converge.

Fans of this unusual place gather every April to celebrate its diversity with Nature Fest. This year's event is next Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Canoe toursmost popular

"The canoe tours are the most popular," said Carol Hoffman of the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau, "but people also like to go on wildflower hunts, see butterfly displays and watch hummingbirds being banded." The ruby-throated birds are temporarily captured in remote-control feeder traps.

She said the free canoe trips fill up quickly, so advance reservations are necessary. Call (618) 634-2231.

Bird 'blitzes'competition

Visitors also arrive to compete in bird "blitzes" to see and hear the most birds, watch programs on birds of prey and reptiles, buy plants, photograph some of the 11 state champion trees, hike 21 miles of trails, visit nearby wineries or view a 12-minute "The Enduring Cache" film.

Some people travel by bike along the 47-mile Tunnel Hill bicycle trail; it follows the old Norfolk Southern railroad bed through a 500-foot tunnel and over scenic trestles between Tunnel Hill (off U.S. 45 south of Harrisburg, Ill.) and Karnak, near the Wetlands Center.

******

if you go

Some of Nature Fest’s events on Saturday include:

n Heron Pond Nature Hike, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Register at the Wetlands Center.

n Cache River canoe tours. Times vary. Call (618) 634-2231 to reserve a place.

n Hikes, including one to Wildcat Bluff overlook and Boss Island (cabin from the 1850s) at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., also an 11 a.m. Happy Herping Hike (frogs, snakes, turtles etc.). Register at the Wetlands Center.

n Ecological Fitness Trail, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

n Birds of Prey show, 1 and 3 p.m.

n Hummingbird Banding, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

For more information, visit www.cacherivernaturefest.org or call the Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau, (800) 248-4373.

******

GETTING THERE

From Evansville, take Indiana 62 to the Wabash River, continue on Illinois 141 west to U.S. 45, turn left and head south on U.S. 45. You’ll pass through Harrisburg and several other towns enroute to Interstate 24 at Vienna, Ill. Pick up Illinois 37 and go south to Cache River State Natural Area.

Carb Loading: Nutrition for Mountain Biking

2010-04-19T05:15:00.000-07:00

One of the most common practices to improve athletic performance is through nutrition for mountain biking.

Athletes who participate in endurance riding know about getting nutrition for mountain biking by storing extra energy in the muscle tissue for endurance riding.

The right nutrition for mountain biking is essential for endurance riding and is commonly referred to as "carb loading."

Glucose is the fuel the body extracts from the breaking down of carbohydrates.

The glucose, called glycogen, is stored in the liver and muscle tissue.

The more glucose (bloodstream) and glycogen (muscle tissue) the body can access when in endurance situations the longer the muscles will continue performing at an optimal level and avoid fatigue.

The newest scientific findings suggest that athletes should eat a diet of 70 percent carbohydrates three days prior to an event, and physical workouts should get shorter prior to an event.

The increased carbohydrates should come from reducing protein and fat and not by simply increasing caloric content otherwise weight gain can result.

A diet of higher intake of carbohydrates should be only temporary as an extended high carbohydrate diet decreases other essential nutrients.

Go For It Outside: Nutrition for Mountain Biking Leads to Great Fitness, Exercise and Health

Feed your great outdoor spirit with mountain biking for fitness and exercise.

Mountain bike riding is low impact, gets you off the treadmill, and into the great outdoors.

Now you know about nutrition for mountain biking, but is the price of equipment standing in your way?

Good used equipment can save you serious bucks and get you on the fast track to fitness outdoors.

If you don't want to ride alone all the time, check out the social scene as well.

Go online, and you'll find mountain bike cycling groups and great resources for places to ride.

Just don't forget the safety equipment! See the world and all its glory right from your handle bars!

Bicycle Safety Gear Everyone Should Own

2010-04-11T18:20:00.001-07:00

There are so many new, fancy and very useful products for bicycling enthusiasts. With all of the new equipment, gadgets and gizmos, it is hard to remember what is necessary. What is the basic bicycle safety gear that everyone who loves riding their bike should own?

It doesn't matter why you love to ride. You may be a recreational bike rider. You may ride your bike down the street and back with your newly riding child. Or, you may even be a very serious bicyclist who rides several miles every day. Whatever your reason for getting on your bike, there are some basic things you should never ride without.

A bike helmet is an obvious staple when acquiring bicycle safety gear. This applies whether the rider is an adult or a child. Unfortunately, many riders do not like to wear them. This makes no sense when weighing the benefits against the possible damage to you hairstyle.

Children should always wear knee and elbow pads when out riding their bikes. Even children as old as 10 years should be required by their parents to wear padding. Although the older children may be a lot steadier on their bicycles, they may not be able to form quick judgments about what is safe and what is not. For instance, taking sharp turns at a high rate of speed.

A bell or a horn is always great to have on hand. This allows the rider to warn pedestrians that he or she is approaching. This helps to avoid unnecessary collisions. A bell general comes across as more friendly.

Reflective gear is also very important bicycle safety gear. If you, or your children, find that you are out after dark, this is always helpful to have on the bicycle.

Wearing helmets 'more dangerous'

2010-04-08T16:06:00.000-07:00

Older story but interesting.

2,500 overtaking motorists in Salisbury and Bristol were recorded
Cyclists who wear protective helmets are more likely to be knocked down by passing vehicles, new research from Bath University suggests.

The study found drivers tend to pass closer when overtaking cyclists wearing helmets than those who are bare-headed.

Dr Ian Walker was struck by a bus and a lorry during the experiment. He was wearing a helmet both times.

But the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said tests have shown helmets protect against injuries.

To carry out the research, Dr Walker used a bike fitted with a computer and an ultrasonic distance sensor to find drivers were twice as likely to get close to the bicycle, at an average of 8.5cm, when he wore a helmet.

The experiment, which recorded 2,500 overtaking motorists in Salisbury and Bristol, was funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

Dr Walker, a traffic psychologist from the University's Department of Psychology, said: "This study shows that when drivers overtake a cyclist, the margin for error they leave is affected by the cyclist's appearance.

Ian Walker
This study suggests wearing a helmet might make a collision more likely
Dr Ian Walker

"By leaving the cyclist less room, drivers reduce the safety margin that cyclists need to deal with obstacles in the road, such as drain covers and potholes, as well as the margin for error in their own judgements.

"We know helmets are useful in low-speed falls, and so definitely good for children, but whether they offer any real protection to somebody struck by a car is very controversial.

"Either way, this study suggests wearing a helmet might make a collision more likely in the first place," he added.

Dr Walker thinks the reason drivers give less room to cyclists wearing helmets is because they see them as "Lycra-clad street warriors" and believe they are more predictable than those without.

He suggests different types of road users need to understand each other.

"Most adult cyclists know what it is like to drive a car, but relatively few motorists ride bicycles in traffic, and so don't know the issues cyclists face.

"There should definitely be more information on the needs of other road users when people learn to drive and practical experience would be even better."

Wig wearing

To test another theory, Dr Walker donned a long wig to see whether there was any difference in passing distance when drivers thought they were overtaking what appeared to be a female cyclist.

While wearing the wig, drivers gave him an average of 14cm more space when passing.

In future research, Dr Walker hopes to discover whether this was because female riders are seen as less predictable than male riders or because women are not seen riding bicycles as often as men on the UK's roads.

However, a spokesman for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents insisted: "We wouldn't recommend that people stop wearing helmets because of this research. Helmets have been shown to reduce the likelihood of head and brain injuries in a crash.

"[The research] highlights a gain in vulnerability of cyclists on our roads and drivers of all types need to take more care when around them."

Spring Events at Audubon Park

2010-03-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

Wildflower Extravaganza
Saturday, April 3 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 2:30 p.m.
Audubon Museum
Join us for three leisurely hikes to see the vibrant forest flora. Additional programs for all ages will also be available.

9 —10:30 a.m. Wildflower walk - Audubon Museum - Front Porch
Learn about the traditional uses of native wildflower plants on this one-mile hike.

11 a.m.—12 p.m. Wildflower walk - Audubon Museum - Front Porch
Learn about the traditional uses of native wildflower plants on this half a mile hike.

12 —12:30 p.m. Kids Wildflower Scavenger Hunt - Audubon Museum Back Porch
In this 30 minute program for children ages 3-5, we’ll learn about shapes, colors and our local flowers on this easy paved trail.

1 —2 p.m. Making Your Yard a "Backyard Habitat” - Museum Meeting Room
Naturalist Julie McDonald takes you through the steps needed to make your yard into a National Wildlife Federation "Backyard Habitat." You'll see examples of the habitat components during this program and spot the components in Audubon State Park's designated habitat area.

2:30—3:30 p.m. Wildflower Walk - Audubon Museum - Front Porch
We’ll identify as many flowers as we can on this challenging 1-mile trail ranging from ridge to river.
Staff Contact: Julie McDonald at (270) 826-2247 or juliea.mcdonald@ky.gov
Cost: Free

How to Grow the Greatest Flowers

2010-03-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

Most every gardener strives to grow the best, most stunning flowers around, but that goal is hard to get hold of. Whether you want to raise prize-winning blooms or just have a home garden filled with of beautiful flowers, there are some things you can do in order to ensure your garden is in the best shape possible.

Soil chemistry counts
The chemical make-up of the soil is one of the biggest factors that contribute to the success or failure of your garden. If the soil in your planting beds is poor in nutrients, it is unlikely that your plants will thrive or produce those beautiful flowers that you want until you enrich the soil with the nutrition the plants need.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that the soil chemistry is the same all over your yard. It is important to test the soil in each area of your property that you plan to plants, especially if the areas are away from each other. This can be important if part of your property is on a slope, or if it has been used for other things in the past.

The slope of the land and the soil type in your area are important considerations to make. A complete analysis of the soil in your yard will give you a good place to starts and a help you to monitor the quality of the soil as your garden matures.

Know what your plants will need to thrive
You probably already have an idea about what you want to plant in your garden, so it is important that you understand what those plants will require in order to grow and flourish. Although many types of annuals, perennials, and bulbs can grow and thrive in a broad range of soil and weather conditions, others can have special requirements for food, water, and soil conditions.

For example, if you are interested I n cultivating roses in your garden, you will need to know the pH level of your soil, and adjust it if you need to. Roses are commonly acid loving plants, and therefore they will not thrive in soil with a higher alkaline level. Getting some humus and tilling it into the soil can amend alkaline soil. If the humus does not do the job, adding sulfur to the soil can raise the acidity level.

Keeping an eye on nutrition
The nutrients in the soil will dictate the health and vitality of your plants and flowers. If the phosphorus and nitrogen levels, as well as the presence of other types of organic matter are not sufficient, your plants may be malnourished, and not thrive at all. Nutrients can be added to poor soil by suing humus or any number of good-quality fertilizers.

Now you understand why the chemistry of your garden soil is so important in growing your ideal garden. Having the best flowers around is a big task to fulfill. Make sure that your garden soil is ready for the duty.

Creating A Really Nice Backyard Garden

2010-03-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

For every home, a garden is not just an extension of one's home, but a place to relax, unwind and soak up the nature. A beautifully contoured landscape, blooming flowers and just spending restful hours in the midst of beauty is what every homeowner yearns for. Gardening can definitely become a passion; when you get to pick your very own fresh vegetables and fruits. Although there are landscaping firms who can take care of your backyard just as well; but you could end up paying thousands of dollars just to recarpet a lawn and perhaps a little more to maintain it. It is especially important for the beginner gardener to choose the right types of plants, determine the spot in the backyard where the garden needs to be designed; select the right garden space, adopt appropriate techniques to take care of one's plants in the backyard and much more. Pre-plan each and every step before setting up your backyard garden, so it becomes a fun filed adventure rather than a nightmarish ritual.

Research and Analyze

The first step is to evaluate the maintenance needs of your garden and pre-determine the space that needs to be allocated to the garden in your backyard. Design your garden with a practical approach and pre-set a budget for yourself. If you face a paucity of time; try and find solutions to high-maintenance issues. A systematic approach will lead you to decide on the right tools required for the development and maintenance of your backyard garden. Alternatively; opt for a weekend backyard garden that needs little to moderate maintenance. Also, take into consideration the current condition of your backyard. In case your backyard has a few existing plants; you would need to decide on which plants you require and the ones that you need to get rid of.

Keep it simple and uncluttered

The focus should be on having a breathable garden rather than a cluttered one. Make sure that your garden is not overcrowded with plants; or it will lend it a cluttered look. Besides that; having too many plants will just attract insects and mosquitoes. Best approach is to draw a rough sketch of the garden lay-out and take into account every minute detail.

Selecting the Right Kinds of Plants

If the homeowner wants that their garden should attract butterflies; they should opt for plants that butterflies are strongly attracted to. These plants include aspen, dill, aster, lilac, pansy, milkweed, marigold, clover, chokecherry, aster and dill among others.

Identifying the right spot

The direction of the sun in your backyard is the deciding factor when identifying the right spot for your garden. North corners are ideal for ferns. The southern direction gives constant sun exposure all day long and each side gets balanced warmth from the sun. The rows should be aligned north and south; so the plants get the sun rays during morning and afternoon hours. If the garden is facing towards the southeast; it may be subjected to little or moderate western sun. In this case; run the rows northwest and southeast for an even sunlight distribution. The northern exposure is definitely not a very good idea; as it would not receive any sunlight. For north-eastern and south-western directions; the plants may be subjected to an uneven distribution of sunlight. The idea therefore; is to plan it in a way that the garden plants receive an evenly distributed sunlight for the longest time period.

The Garden Soil

A new garden spot is most likely covered either with turf or rubbish. For a larger garden area; the ploughing of the ground is done whereas with smaller gardens; the sod is removed. In order to remove the sod; stake out the garden path. The line will help you with an accurate course to be followed. Then you would need to cut the edges along the marked line with the help of a spade. The sod can be put to good use as it makes a good fertilizer. Here you have two options to choose from:
1. You could turn the sod over after having dug holes in your garden. The sod can then be put in the hole and then cover it with soil.
2. Identify a spot where the sod grass can be packed together. Leave it to rot. Over a period of time; it can be used as fertilizer.

Make sure that the ground where the planting needs to take place is fine so that the seeds get finely packed into the soil particles. Avoid large lumps as these create larger spaces and the tiny hair root of the plant will not be able to penetrate though.

Make sure that you do a fair amount of research beforehand and lap up on as much gardening tips and information as possible.

Reserve your favorite Indiana campsite for 2010

2010-03-10T15:45:00.000-08:00

Reserve your favorite Indiana campsite for 2010 online at http://www.camp.in.gov/ or by calling 1-866-622-6746. The rates listed below will apply for all camping from April 28 – Nov. 3. For camping and rates outside of these dates, please call the property directly.

NEW for the 2010 Recreation Season!

* Clifty Falls and Lincoln State Park have new comfort stations, turning their primitive campgrounds into non-electric with the luxury of modern facilities.

* Roush Lake, Kil So Quah, has a handful of new electric sites. Reserve yours today.

* Ouabache State Park has converted the non-electric campground to electric. Come check it out!

State Parks & Reservoirs:

* State Parks: Brown County, Chain O'Lakes, Charlestown, Clifty Falls, Lincoln, McCormick's Creek, Mounds, O'Bannon, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shades, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Summit Lake, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Versailles, Whitewater Memorial

* Reservoirs: Brookville, Cecil M. Harden (Raccoon), Hardy, J. Edward Roush (Huntington), Monroe, Patoka, Salamonie

Click Here for 2010 Camping Fees

Indiana State Park Entrance fees for 2010

2010-03-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

Entrance Fees

$4.00 Gate fee (Monday - Thursday) ($5.00 combined entrance at Prophetstown State Park to the park and Historic Prophetstown)
For noncommercial vehicles which have INDIANA license plates. Admits driver and passengers.

$5.00 Gate fee (Friday - Sunday, Holidays) ($6.00 combined entrance at Prophetstown State Park to the park and Historic Prophetstown)
For noncommercial vehicles which have INDIANA license plates. Admits driver and passengers.

$7.00 Gate fee (daily) ($10.00 daily at Indiana Dunes State Park) ($8.00 combined entrance at Prophetstown State Park to the park and Historic Prophetstown)
For noncommercial vehicles which do not have Indiana license plates. Admits driver and passengers.

$2.00 Daily fee
for each person, 5 years old and older, entering as a pedestrian, on bicycle or horseback.^

Passenger Vans/School Buses with no Scheduled Group Program/Motorcoaches/Commercial buses
$2.00 per person, ages 5 years and above

Groups with program reservations
$1.00 per person program fee.

$5.00 Daily Horse Permit
Entrance for one day per horse at DNR properties where horse use is allowed.

$36.00 Annual entrance permit
Admits noncommercial vehicles, driver and passengers to DNR properties which charge a gate fee.* Good from January 1, until December 31, of the year issued. May now be used at Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center for up to 5 people per pass per visit.**

$46.00 Non-resident annual entrance permit
Admits non-Indiana resident noncommercial vehicles, driver and passengers to DNR properties which charge a gate fee.* Good from January 1, until December 31, of the year issued. May now be used at Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center for up to 5 people per pass per visit.**

$18.00 Golden Hoosier Passport
For Indiana residents who are at least 65 years of age or a resident eligible for Social Security disability payments under 42 U.S. C. 401 (proof of eligibility must be presented at time of purchase and disabled individual must be present in the vehicle at time of use); admits noncommercial vehicle, driver, and passengers. Good from January 1 until December 31 of the year issued. Price is 1/2 the Resident Annual Entrance Permit. May now be used at Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center for up to 5 people per pass per visit.**

Golden Hoosier Permit Special Cases:
Indiana residents who are former POW's or their surviving spouses are entitled to a free Indiana Golden Hoosier Permit. These are mailed automatically at the beginning of each year. Direct questions to cwilmoth@dnr.IN.gov

Indiana residents who qualify for a DAV1 or DAV2 license plate, may purchase an Indiana Golden Hoosier Permit regardless of age. Please present a completed form 32584 (Certificate of Eligibility for Veteran License Plates) at the time of purchase.

*DNR Annual Entrance Permits and Golden Hoosier Passports are not valid at Indiana Historic Sites that charge an entrance fee.

**The Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center daily adult entrance fee is $4.00 Monday - Thursday, and $5.00 Friday - Sunday and holidays, $2.00 per child.

^ The daily entrance fee to Mansfield Mill is $3.00 per adult and $1.00 per child

2010-02-19T05:02:00.000-08:00

An estimated 5,000 to 6,000 snow geese, along with 100 or so Canada geese, have gathered for the last several days on a private lake at the Interstate 64 exit at Griffin, Ind.

Sitting on the ice edge and loafing in vast flotillas in open water, the mass defies actual count.

According to Bish Mumford, a Griffin, Ind.-area farmer, the count is more like "two or three gazillion." Those numbers may be more accurate.

While Canada geese spilled into the protected lake some 10 years ago, only recently have snow geese appeared. A count by the Department of Natural Resources a couple of years ago indicated a site estimate of 10,000 to 12,000 snow geese.

"The snows have been coming here for the last couple of years when we have these severe cold spells," said Mumford.

"They like to move as far north as they can as soon as they can, so they'll leave as soon as we get a break in the weather. I expect they'll lift off in the next week."

The flock likely will leave in unison, resuming an amazing migration to the high Arctic breeding grounds, the urge to move regulated by lengthening days. And when they lift off, the multitudes darken the sky, a spectacle that's a sight to behold.

Snow geese regularly display white and blue morphs, plumage variations unrelated to age or gender. Assumed until about 25 years ago to be two separate species, the so-called snow goose and blue goose have now been identified by scientists as a single species.

The Griffin flock, typical of most snow geese, contains a few more white morphs than blue, each dramatic in its own way — one for its brilliant all-white body and black wingtips; the other for its bluish-black body and white head and neck.

The flock gathers on the water in late afternoon, remains for the night and into much of the next day, leaving about noon to forage in nearby wheat fields, and then returns to the water for the night.

DNR to present Canada goose management seminars next month

2010-02-16T14:54:00.000-08:00

DNR to present Canada goose management seminars next month

If Canada geese have become a problem on your property, attend one of six seminars being presented in March by the Department of Natural Resources' Urban Wildlife Project.

The seminars will cover various aspects of Canada goose management, including relevant laws, basic biology, and methods to control goose damage. A demonstration on the proper techniques for egg and nest destruction will follow. Adhering to proper techniques is vital—if eggs are broken or completely removed from nests, the females will just lay another clutch of eggs.

The population of Canada geese in the Mississippi Flyway exceeds 1.5 million birds. Destroying eggs and nests in urban areas is helpful in controlling these numbers in areas where hunting cannot, which can reduce conflicts with people and Canada geese.

Federal rules allow landowners properly registered at https://epermits.fws.gov/eRCGR/geSI.aspx

to complete Canada goose egg and nest destruction on their own property. Registrants must provide a summary report of their Canada goose nest destruction activities to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by Oct. 31. Failure to report can result in privileges being revoked for the forthcoming year.

The first seminar is March 8 at the Community Center in Clarksville. Seminars also will be held March 10 at Recreation Building 701 inside Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis, and on March 11 at the Delaware County Fairground’s Heartland Hall in Muncie.

Other opportunities to attend the seminar will be March 22, at the Salomon Farm Visitors Center in Fort Wayne; March 23, at the Potato Creek State Park Nature Center near North Liberty; and March 24 at the Lake County Extension Service Office in Crown Point. All seminars run from 9:30 a.m. to approximately noon. All interested landowners, managers of corporate campuses, golf course or park employees, and the general public are invited.

The classes are free, and no registration is required. For further information, call the Urban Wildlife Biologist, (812) 334-1137 or e-mail swinks@dnr.IN.gov.

For more information: Marty Benson, DNR assistant director of communications, (317) 233-3853, mbenson@dnr.in.gov.

Heads up- REI Winter Super Clearance starts February 12th

2010-02-11T16:50:00.000-08:00

Winter Clearance
Save up to 30% on seleted ski and snowboard gear and clothing.
Plus, take an additional 50% or more off Super Clearance items!
Starts Friday, February 12, at REI stores and REI.com

Super Clearance sale. All REI clearance items (prices ending in .83) are discounted an additional 50%. Things sell out quickly.

Birdhouse Building Contest

2010-02-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

Greetings Audubon enthusiasts:

With all of the fresh snow, I'm sure the last thing on your mind is building birdhouses. However, the Audubon Bicentennial Committee and U.K. Cooperative Extension Service is sponsoring a birdhouse building contest in conjunction with the 2010 Audubon in Henderson Bicentennial Celebration.

The deadline for this contest is still months away but I wanted to pique your interest in engaging your family, individuals in your scout troops, clubs or youth groups, as well as artists, birders, carpenters and creative tinkerers in this interactive contest. Since there are four age categories, there are opportunities for people of all ages to participate. There is a nominal fee but prizes will also be awarded.

There is a size and weight requirement for the birdhouses, however, the choice of building materials and the house decoration are up to you. Winning birdhouses will be on display at downtown banks with the owner’s permission from May 21 to June 14, 2010.

Contact the Ohio Valley Art League 270-860-1930 or Audubon State Park 270-826-2247 for more information.

Other event-related activities and programs can be found by visiting the 2010 Audubon in Henderson Bicentennial Celebration web site http://www.audubon2010.com/foa.php .

__________________________________________________
Birdhouse Building Contest

The Audubon Committee invites children and adults to build a birdhouse. Birdhouses may be made of any material. Examples; wood, metal, cardboard, ceramic, or glass. All birdhouses will be displayed in the U. K. Education & Exposition building from May 10 to May 21, 2010. There will be four age categories; adults from 18 years and older, 9th grade to 12th grade, 6th grade to 8th grade, and 5th grade and under.

The Birdhouse Contest is being done in conjunction with the 200th Anniversary Celebration of John James Audubon’s landing in Henderson, KY.

Entry fee is $10 for Adult division and $5 for grade 12th and under.

Schedule:
May 6 & 7 - 10 to noon
Birdhouses will be accepted at U. K. Exposition Building, 3341 HWY 351, Henderson, KY

May 10 to May 21
Exhibit open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

May 13 - 5 to 7
Opening Reception & Award Presentation
Carol Gatlin will give a lecture on backyard birds.

May 21 - noon to 4:30 p.m.
Pick-up birdhouses

Rules:
◘ Birdhouses must be no higher than 36" in height and no wider than 30" wide.
◘ These can not weigh more than 15 lbs.
◘ Winning birdhouses will be on display at downtown banks with the owner’s permission from May 21 to June 14, 2010.

Contact: Ohio Valley Art League 270-860-1930 or Audubon Park 270-826-2247
http://www.audubon2010.com/foa.php

Julie McDonald, CIG, CIT
Program Services Supervisor/Park Naturalist
John James Audubon State Park
P.O. Box 576, 3100 US Hwy. 41 North, Henderson, KY 42419
(Main Office) 270-826-2247 (Fax) 270-826-2286
(Direct) 270-826-4424
JulieA.McDonald@ky.gov
parks.ky.gov/findparks/recparks/au/

University of Southern Indiana - Bent Twig Educational Trail

2010-02-08T17:36:00.000-08:00

Student leaders at the University of Southern Indiana will work with the University's Office of Service Learning to engage volunteers in the Outdoor Trails and Fitness Project. This project will combine student leadership, community service, as well as academic and co-curricular service learning in upgrading and marketing the University's outdoor fitness amenities to the entire region surrounding Evansville, Indiana. Project partners will include regional employers, environmental organizations, and fitness groups. Student leaders are members of a service-learning student group (Eagle Road Crew) and the Green Life Club, a student group focused on environmental issues. These student leaders will plan activities to improve the outdoor campus fitness facilities, recruit University students to volunteer for work days, engage and mentor students from a local alternative high school, and find community partners to participate in the project. The Office of Service Learning will provide project support and mentoring, as well as recruitment of academic service learning courses to work on aspects of the project. Students have already identified higher than average rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer as a major issue in the region; and this project will include opportunities for students to educate the community about exercise, the importance of green space, and market outdoor activities. Students volunteering in the project will participate in guided reflection, and the student leaders will design project goals and evaluation activities. The students initially involved in the project planning intend to focus the project activities on Bent Twig Trail, which is the shortest of the campus nature trails. The project will be kicked-off on MLK Day of Service with a work day. The trail opening and celebration, along with any project finishing activities, will be held on Global Youth Service Day.
Location
Evansville, IN, 47712

Bent Twig Trail Info

Hiking Safety - How to Hike Trails Safe and Smart

2010-02-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, so you've decided you are going for a hike. You have picked the trail, packed the gear, drove to the trail head and now you have no idea what you are doing. Don't fear! That is why this article is here..

The first thing you need to do is identify the distance that you plan to hike. Are you going a kilometer or 10? Are you going to be out until past sunset? When does the park close? Is the trail going to return you back to the trailhead or will you have to stop and turn around eventually to backtrack? Did you bring a map? Did you pack any/enough food water. Does anyone know where you are or when are you expected home? These are all questions you should really be asking before you even get in your car or on the bus in the first place.

Drawing from personal experience, the last thing you want to be is dehydrated and tired after a long hike and get into your car to find out that the park gate is already locked for the night. Next open at dawn.

What do you bring with you? Well that depends on how long and how hard you are going to hike. I typically bring a light pack with a half-liter of an electrolyte mix, a low fiber energy bar, an ultra lite med kit, lighter, cell phone, extra battery, bear spray, digital camera and aspirin. You might want to bring more or less depending.

How do you dress? This really depends on the weather you experience. Where I am based, coastal British Columbia, the weather can change dramatically very quickly. I always bring hiking shoes, light breathable pants that can convert into shorts, a t-shirt and jacket. Because the exercise can warm me up fast, I only pull out the jacket if it gets fairly cold.

Now that you have your ducks in a row, you will need to know what to do once you are on the trail.. Not all trails are alike. Some trails have clearly defined paths with fancy logs or railways ties guiding the way. Some trails are elevated on planks of wood. Some trails are mulched. Some trails don't even look like trails; they look like every other part of the forest with pine needles and fallen logs and the like. The trick is to know where your heading is.

Many of the earlier examples of trails have signage clearly stating where to go, i.e., "Joe's Viewpoint -- 2 KM." Occasionally, you will be on a trail and the only markers identifying the correct direction are pieces of neon tape or tiny metal plates nailed to trees. Different colors usually mean different trails. The markings are usually separated by many meters of distance. Typically, when standing adjacent to one marking, you should only see the very next marking in your line of sight.

I also touched on the point of different trails. Often, you will be on a trail that intersects or joins with another trail temporarily. Be cautious of not accidentally hopping trails. It won't be fun once you have been hiking for several hours only to realize you have no idea what trail you are on. Now, there is probably a lot more advice that you could receive. Most of what I learned is from experience. The advice provided is just a suggestion and cannot substitute for any professional recommendations. Please use your best judgment when out on a trail!

Following Hidden Trails

2010-02-08T17:17:00.000-08:00

I am a follower of hidden trails. In fact, on at least half of the hiking trips I take lately, I'm off the trails altogether, bushwhacking into the unknown. What do you get for doing as Walt Whitman suggested, and taking the "road less traveled?" A bit of adventure. Here are some of the things myself and a friend or two have discovered off the beaten path in the last year.

Old Mines - We have run across at least fifteen abandoned and sometimes hidden mines, many of them far from any trail. One had a mystery involved, with a possible death (although the police seemed to have no interest) based on the clothes and unopened food left at a nearby campsite. Another went a thousand feet into a mountainside, and had a rotting photo of someone at the back, in a hole in the wall that appeared to be a shrine of some sort. Another ended at a vertical shaft which we could not see to the bottom of with our flashlights.

Old Houses and Towns - A couple months ago we lost the trail we were on and instead started to follow a dry wash. Twenty minutes from the car we came upon what looked like a ghost town. Upon closer inspection we discovered that it was an old ranch, with about six or seven buildings and three old cars from the fifties. After poking through the main house for a while (there was still a wood stove and a chair or two), we headed up the little creek that ran through the property.

Caves - Up the stream from that old ranch, I saw a spring coming out from under a large limestone rock. I knew this made caves in the nearby cliffs likely. Sure enough, five minutes later we were 100 feet into the hillside, looking through a narrow opening and wondering what we might find further inside the cave. I went back later and explored the system for over an hour.

Natural Oddities - In addition to the waterfalls and fantastic rock formations that we find whenever we follow hidden trails and canyon-bottoms, we are sometimes surprised. Ten miles south of the town of Fairplay (all of these examples are from Colorado), we stumbled upon a stream that came gushing straight out of a grassy hillside. We will likely return to see if there is any way to access the caves that the underground stream undoubtedly has carved uphill from there.

Rocks And Minerals - In addition to possible flecks of gold in the bottom of my gold pan (it's hard to tell for sure), I am always finding crystals, rocks and interesting minerals. In the spring of 2008 a friend and I became somewhat lost on the backside of a mountain, after climbing to the top to check out a cave or mine we saw. At some point we discovered boulders of quartz and followed them up the hillside. We came to an incredible fifteen-foot-high wall of white quartz, laced with veins of transparent/translucent mica. The wall had resulted from a miner blowing open the side of the mountain many years earlier. Since gold is often found with quartz, we may return.

Today (12/30/08), before writing this, I hiked a couple miles up a canyon near where we live. I try to take advantage of these occasional December days in the 60s. Trudging through the snow in my t-shirt, I eventually came to the end of my road-less-traveled, after it passed by an old mining building. From there I followed barely visible trails created by deer and elk through the scrub oak. At the top of a rocky (and dry) hill, I found an old camp site, with old tin cans from who-knows when. The day after tomorrow
I may start the new year by hiking another hidden trail I've been meaning to explore.

Finding Mountain Bike Trails

2010-02-08T16:54:00.000-08:00

So you purchased a mountain bike and you have been riding
for awhile. You are getting faster and more courageous on your mountain bike
but you are getting bored riding on the same trails. You and your friends have realized that you need new trail excitement in your life.

So you have talked to your friends and people at the local bike shop for more information about trails in the area. Most of them pointed you back to the trails that you are familiar with but some have introduced you to a new trail or two.

To add to you trail information many of us in the mountain bike community suggest you try a very handy directory. This is a Google directory that lists sites which contain trail information. Once you browse the directory you will be surprised at all of the trails that riders have documented. I have found that no one site has all of the trail information so you have to browse through the directory.

The web address below will help you find the local mountain bike trails in your region. Most of the trails listed contain directions to the trail head so you know where you are going. So check it out it is pretty helpful.

Southern Indiana MTB

Southern Indiana Trails

2010-01-30T17:09:00.000-08:00

Southern Indiana Trails

has moved to:

New Southern Indiana Trails

Why You Must Buy A Bike Lock For Your Bicycle No Matter Where You Live

2010-01-19T17:47:00.000-08:00

When you buy a new bike lock you need to buy the one that is going to guarantee that your bike will not get stolen it is better to have a bike than have to walk. It does not matter how often you ride your bike or how you ride your bike you are always going to need a bike lock if you go some where in public with your bike. If you're going to the store real quick someone who needs a new bike only needs a minute to steal your bike while you're inside the store.

This crime happens everywhere. Even though New York has the most number of bikes stolen every town and small city will have its bike stealers. There are all kinds of bikes that can be stolen from a thousand dollar race machine to a junky bike just needed by someone to make it home. Some thieves will steal the bikes to sell them and get money for your bike. Maybe a thief just needs a ride to get somewhere and he needs your bike and you are not watching it at the time. If you have a cheap lock on the bike the thief could pick it or clip it.

If you have that cheap lock and it has been working for you your day may soon come. You need to buy a lock that is going to make sure that your bike is safe. You can buy any kind of lock. You will need something that will have some sort of key not a combination as someone with a good bit of luck could just say, "oh lets try it just for a second", and might pick your lock and steal your ride.

Chain locks are the other really good type of lock. They can be very heavy and a thieve wont think about clipping the chain it will probably make a lot of noise and also probably wont be worth going to jail or getting beat up over. The bigger locks that are out there on the market will help you with securing your bike though and companies like bell will make a good lock for you. If you buy the right bike lock then you will be able to ride anywhere you want and be able to lock it up anywhere you want without it getting stolen. That's the last thing you would want to happen as you ride up to the store for a soda is to walk out and see your bike gone when you could have just bought a lock for your bike. So do the right thing for your ride and buy the lock so it doesn't get jacked like all your other bikes did.

Hiking Myths and Truths for the Beginner

2010-01-19T17:24:00.000-08:00

Author: ClintonMaxwell

Are you thinking about taking up the challenging and exhilarating activity of hiking? It is surely something that's rewarding but it?s hard to know what to expect if you?ve never tried it. Here are some things to expect and some myths about hiking.

Many people think of the negatives that are associated with hiking. There are insects, blisters on your feet, sore legs and an aching back. While this may sound unpleasant, there are many rewards which outweigh these drawbacks. You?ll be able to get outside the city and enjoy the fresh air and the chance to commune with nature. Not only will you be able to get physical exercise but you?ll also have some solitude to gain mental release. Having a hiking a buddy will also give you time to connect with a friend or a relative (or make new friends).

There are some myths or misguided thoughts associated with hiking. Some confuse hiking with mountain climbing which is something completely different. Climbing requires special gear and techniques for scaling steep grades and the sport can be potentially dangerous. Hiking is more of an activity than a sport. While hiking can have some dangers, such as getting lost or bitten by a snake, it is an extremely safe activity.

Hiking requires you to have some basics but no special equipment is necessary, especially if you?re just starting off on short, day hikes. All you?ll need to get started are some good hiking boots and appropriate clothing for the climate you?ll be hiking in.

While running or walking shoes will suffice for a hike of a couple of hours, you?ll want to invest in some proper hiking boots if you want to really pursue hiking. Hiking boots give you the proper support, the right amount of insulation and the soles are specially made for rough and slippery terrain. While they may cost more than you think they should, they will be well worth the investment. A well made pair of hiking boots will last you years.

Hiking on well marked, well trodden paths are pretty straight forward and you have little chance of getting lost. You should bring a compass and map, especially if you?re interested in getting off the trail. Make sure you know how to use them before you start out on your hike. Once you get more experienced and adventurous you may consider purchasing a GPS unit which uses satellites to locate your position and direction.

Hiking is sure to be something that you?ll enjoy and benefit from. There is very little equipment needed to get started so what are you waiting for?

Gardening Is Healthy

2010-01-19T17:18:00.000-08:00

Author: GaryPearson

There is hardly anyone who would think of gardening as an exercise. Activities like aerobics, dancing, jogging weight lifting etc is considered as exercise. Gardening should be considered a fruitful job. It is much better to grow plants than sit stationary pedaling on an exercise bike.

When you garden, you are working several different muscle groups. In addition, you do repetitive tasks, such as hoeing or weeding, which if done consistently fully qualify as aerobic activity.

You may not be using some of the muscles in your daily work but they are exercised while gardening. You might have heard an old adage "muscles hurt that I didn't even know I had". This is true when you do gardening. It is important to exercise all the muscles of the body to keep fit and you can achieve this by gardening.

When you pay attention to the muscles you are using for different gardening activities, it helps you to get complete advantage of fitness through gardening. It is good if you emphasize on the movements. You can do the movements for longer, like if you are bending for planting then stay in that position for more time.

You can lift up the hoe higher and swing it a little more when you put it in the garden. It is a good idea to be aware of the muscles you are using to do the job, and also change the actions as far as possible every day. Stretching before you start gardening will save you from injuring the muscles. You will be able to see a change in the way you look as well as feel, after you have been gardening for some time.

Beginner's Guide To Identifying Birds

2010-01-19T17:11:00.000-08:00

Author: WilliamScott

If you enjoy watching birds, more than likely you are going to want to learn how you can identify them. While it can be exciting to be able to identify birds, it isn't always a simple task; in fact, it can be downright frustrating much of the time. Of course having a good field guide is an excellent idea. However, you'll have to have some knowledge of your own even to be able to accurately use the field guide. So, if you are a beginner at bird watching, the following are a few tips that can help you more accurately identify birds.

The Size of the Bird

Take a look at the size of a bird if you don't know how to identify it. Is it the size of a robin, a small sparrow, a chicken, or even an ostrich? Is the bird plump, skinny, short, or very long? Take a look at the entire body and take every feature into consideration, including the size and shape of the wings, tail and beak.

Note the Colors

What colors does the bird exhibit? Certain birds tend to exhibit certain colors, so you can identify some birds by color or pattern alone. However, colors, too, can be tricky. The lighting can affect the color so that the bird appears a different color than he or she really is. In addition, make sure you note colors on each part of the body as well. Are the legs of a certain color, or are the wings? Are there any specific and unique markings anywhere on the body that you could use to help identify the bird?

What's Your Location?

Believe it or not, your location can actually help you identify birds as well. Take a look around and figure out where you are. Are you out on the water, deep inside a large forest, or perhaps in your front yard? There are certain birds that live in specific habitats. Is the bird in the water, is it wading or swimming, does it actually climb the tree, how and where does it fly, and does it move its tail? These are all questions to ask that can help you out when identifying the birds that you are watching.

Listening to Identify Birds

One of the most important things to keep in mind when you're watching birds is that how they sound can help you figure out what they are, too. Every bird species has a unique song; if you listen, you may be able to identify the bird you're watching just by what you can hear. If you listen closely, you might even see some birds that you would never have seen otherwise. It's not always helpful to listen when you identify a bird, but it's another piece of information that can definitely help you.

Next time you go on a bird watching adventure, keep these tips in mind to help you in your efforts. They'll help you identify the birds you see, and this will make it a much more rewarding and fun experience for you, too.

Butterfly Habitat Conservation

2010-01-15T05:02:00.000-08:00

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The Butterfly Garden Store

ONE MAN. TOTALLY ALONE. FIFTY DAYS IN THE CANADIAN YUKON. WHAT DID HE DO TO SURVIVE?

2010-01-15T04:54:00.000-08:00

"I’ve achieved something extraordinary. I lived in the wilderness, alone, surviving off the wild for 50 days. I went on an extreme adventure, a solo mission and I made my dream a reality. I experienced starvation, challenged my motivation and my skills and my independence to the limit and found new strengths. I believe each time I push my limits I redefine myself and this adventure certainly did that."

WATCH THE JOURNEY UNFOLD

Ed's adventure started on July 3rd, 2009. See what happened to Ed during his 50 days in the wild up until he was picked up.

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How To Make Sure Your Wildflowers Survive In Your Home Garden

2010-01-10T06:13:00.000-08:00

If you have ever taken a walk in the woods you may have seen all the beautiful flowers that can be found right in nature. These flowers are wild, but are still beautiful. Did you think to yourself, I wonder what these would look like in my yard? If you have wondered this same thing, here are a few tips for you to make sure your flowers will survive.

Even though these flowers are strong enough to grow and thrive in the wild, does not mean they will not take special care. First thing you will need to do is make sure you are ready for your wild flowers once you get them home. Once you take the flowers out of their natural habitat you will want to get them back in the ground as soon as possible. Make sure you have you flowerbed at your home ready to go when you arrive.

You will want to make sure you have a good water drainage system in place. You may have to dig deep and place some rocks in the soil to ensure good drainage. You will want to make sure the soil is moist and ready to support its new life.

When you get your wild flowers make sure you get some roots and soil with it. The roots will help the flower stay alive and adapt to its new home. You will also want to make sure it has some of its natural soil from the woods to help it thrive. You can not expect the plant to thrive if you change everything about its surroundings.

When you are choosing your flowers you need to pay attention to the environment around them. You will want to take note of what other flowers are near this flower, if any. Maybe this flower grows best if it is only surrounded with its own. If this is the case you should do the same at your home. You want to make your flowers new home as much like its natural home as you possibly can.

You should also make sure the flower is done blooming. Plants tend to survive a transplant better if they are moved after they are done blooming. You may need to go out in search of your wild garden more than once, depending on what kind of flowers you like. You can choose flowers so that you have some in bloom from March until the first frost. This is a great way to make your garden look great for a long time. If this is what you would like to do you will definitely need to go wild flower hunting more than once. This will take some time and effort, but will be well worth it when you have a beautiful garden of wild flowers to admire.

The Butterfly Garden

Start Slowly With Cycling Training

2010-01-10T06:12:00.001-08:00

Avoid mountain biking injuries by preparing physically and using the proper equipment. Take caution with you on the mountain bike trail.

Mountain Biking Injuries - An Overview

While it is best not to dwell on the negative consequences of any sport, most committed athletes are aware that the possibility of injury always exists. Mountain biking has grown in popularity in the past few years, to the point that it is both recreation and competition for huge numbers around the world. This is the case, in spite of the chance for injury in such a demanding sport. Perhaps one of the best ways an individual can prepare during cycling training is to understand what causes injury and what can be done to prevent them.

Safety And Prevention

As with all other demanding activities, participants in mountain biking should make sure they have the proper equipment before ever taking to the outdoors. A beginner should spend considerable time learning about the required equipment and even more time purchasing the correct bike, helmet, clothing and other protective gear. This is an essential first step for any successful mountain biker.

Before the individual bounces over his or her first rock-strewn hillside, money should be invested in a top-of-the-line protective helmet. As many experienced riders emphasize, this does not mean the best looking helmet with the brightest colors is the correct choice. Time should be spent talking with the professionals at a reputable bike shop, learning about helmets, how they should fit and how they should protect the head.

Stay In Control

Many injuries in mountain biking (in all sports, actually) occur when the individual gets past the limits of equipment or human body. Being out of control is not a good thing, even in the extremely challenging world of mountain biking. Keeping the speed under control is a good place to start. This alone may prevent numerous injuries, as it is one of the common reasons for mountain bike injury. Riders are constantly reminded to use caution and common sense in mountain bike situations.

Accidents do happen, in spite of the most careful riders. Mountain bike riders are going to fall as a natural part of this demanding activity. It would be wise to take time to inspect the overall terrain and the trail or path if there is one. There is no such thing as too much knowledge when it comes to understanding the terrain that will be ridden over. One unexpected drop in elevation that catches a rider by surprise can turn an enjoyable trip into a nightmare. Start with trails for beginners and work up to the more demanding sites. It's a learning process, most of all.

Safety measures for Downhill mountain bikers

2010-01-10T06:10:00.000-08:00

This article throws light on the fact that improper safety measures can risk the life of the downhill mountain bikers. It also emphasizes on the point that one must not mistake ordinary standard mountain biking with downhill mountain biking.

It's absolutely not required to be stated or reminded here that mountain biking is no more the ordinary activity but is now a well known sport in today's scenario. People not only take this up as a source of enjoyment but also are crazy about this sport. They take it up as a challenge and today's youth is coming up will different thrilling skills in this field. Not just that, it's not limited to the one who is skilled in it but there are even courses given in this stream.

One of its most performed and expanded sport activity is downhill mountain biking. To some extent it resembles the snow skiing activity. But to be precise it involves more risk and risks then that. Even if you think and imagine of doing this sport yourself get you to excited state unto the level of craze to do it. The one who begins doing this can't keep himself from reaching the utmost height of the sport.

The most important thing that misleads the normal standard bikers is that they take up downhill biking same as the standard Biking on rolling hills. To be precise and warn then it's required to be stated that this is their misinterpretation and they are not the same.

Downhill biking not just involves higher level of skills but it also is equally dangerous involving much higher risk to ones life. Not even the high skills are enough but also one needs a specially designed mountain bike with dual suspension and that too with highly equipped suspension system. You must be aware that the bikes that downhill mountain bikers use are much heavier than those of the normal standard bikes as they are designed with much stronger bike frames. The average mountain bike should weigh more than eighty to hundred kilos.

The most important aspect in downhill biking is the bikers need not pedal and the entire dependence lies on the stunts they take to come down the hill. Therefore it involves higher risk and is too dangerous if performed without taking proper safety measures.

The regular important safety measures involve: Wearing helmet, having proper protection for knees and elbows, wearing total body protection suit and wearing goggles.

The downhill bier are even trained. The new comers who are not expertise but posse's talent, craze and confidence are trained with specific courses to reach the best. It is absolutely normal to see jumps of around forty feet - specialized mountain bikes help achieve this. The hard and risky adventure makes the today's generation more excited and crazy to reach the extreme height in the sports.

Knowing the Cost of Mountain Bike Accessories

2010-01-10T06:08:00.002-08:00

If you want to fully appreciate the sport of mountain biking, then you will need to ensure that you have the right equipment. There are many different mountain bike accessories out there and if you want to benefit from them then you may have to be prepared to spend a small fortune.

The trick is to know which accessories you need and which are a complete waste of time. There are many accessories out there which sound fantastic, but in reality they are not as great as they first appear.

The Most Essential Accessories you will need

There are some mountain bike accessories that you really should not be without. For example, a helmet is absolutely essential if you want to reduce the risk of suffering from a head injury. This is one of the most obvious mountain bike accessories and finding the right one to suit you is absolutely essential.

One accessory which many people do not consider is cycling shorts. They might not seem very essential but they can in fact really help to maximize your mountain biking experience. This is because they can essentially help to reduce the shocks which you receive from riding over rough terrain. A good pair of gloves will also come in handy as they too help to absorb the shocks caused by your mountain bike. Also gloves can help you to attain a better grip on the handlebars too. So gloves and cycling shorts are two other accessories that are worth investing in.

The likelihood of your bike breaking down is actually surprisingly high. This is especially true if you are planning on going on rough mountain trails. Tires can become punctured and general wear and tear can gradually cause the bike to break down. So it is vital that you learn what to do in case this does happen. Carrying around a repair kit is definitely recommended and it really can prove to be a lifesaver, especially considering that usually on mountain bike trails there is hardly ever anyone else around. The kit should ideally contain a screwdriver, a pump, a puncture repair kit and a spoke tool. You may also want to carry around lubricant, a bottom bracket tool and some spanners.

Finally cleaning equipment is always good to have as your bike will need to be maintained. If you keep your bike clean then it will enable it to last longer. You should also consider carrying around a lock, lights for your bike and a bottle of water. All of these accessories will come in extremely handy and they are essentially some of the most important mountain biking accessories available today.

Who Else Wants To Find a Superior Hiking Trail

2010-01-10T06:08:00.001-08:00

Hiking is one of the best ways to get to be in nature as well as get great exercise. However, whether you are hiking up huge mountains or simply going for a walk in the woods you need to know your limits.

If you don't exercise much you should keep it to a walk in the woods, but if you are already in good shape and are an avid hiker go ahead and tackle the tough terrain. Either way just make sure that you have a superior hiking trail to follow so you don't get injured or lost.

A Superior Hiking Trail is Not a Myth

You might think that it will be extremely hard to find a superior hiking trail, and that they do not actually exist. The fact is that they do and they are popping up in increasing numbers as national parks are making their trails more accommodating.

With the environment in danger, educational programs and conservation groups are making an effort to get more people out and involved in nature so that people take an interest in saving all of that natural beauty. They are doing this by creating accessible trails and improving upon the old ones.

So, what is the first thing that you should look for when it comes to finding a superior hiking trail? The answer is a clearly defined, safe trail. Some forests have trails that are barely visible, especially when the weather changes or the seasons change and the trails get grown in. These are areas that certainly do not make for great hiking, because you can get lost.

Keep It Safe

Another issue that should be addressed when it comes to hiking is the safety factor. For example, if you are hiking by yourself in a lonely trail, there could be trouble. While a cell phone will certainly be helpful, if you are knocked unconscious for any reason, a cell phone certainly will not help you.

So, what you need to do is find a superior hiking trail that is monitored by forest rangers, who protect the environment and hikers at the same time.

How Do I Find A Great Trail?

For more information on superior hiking trails in your area, you have several options. First go to your local bookstore and find a travel guide for your area. There should be a section that mentions local hiking trails, especially if your area is know for it.

Also look up national or state parks that are in range of you. They are likely to have the best kept, safest trails to hike. They often have a variety of trails to choose from that range in length and difficulty, that way there is something for everyone.

Hiking - Positives Outweigh the Negatives

2010-01-10T06:07:00.001-08:00

Are you thinking about taking up the challenging and exhilarating activity of hiking? It is surely something that's rewarding but it?s hard to know what to expect if you?ve never tried it. Here are some things to expect and some myths about hiking.

Many people think of the negatives that are associated with hiking. There are insects, blisters on your feet, sore legs and an aching back. While this may sound unpleasant, there are many rewards which outweigh these drawbacks. You?ll be able to get outside the city and enjoy the fresh air and the chance to commune with nature. Not only will you be able to get physical exercise but you?ll also have some solitude to gain mental release. Having a hiking a buddy will also give you time to connect with a friend or a relative (or make new friends).

There are some myths or misguided thoughts associated with hiking. Some confuse hiking with mountain climbing which is something completely different. Climbing requires special gear and techniques for scaling steep grades and the sport can be potentially dangerous. Hiking is more of an activity than a sport. While hiking can have some dangers, such as getting lost or bitten by a snake, it is an extremely safe activity.

Hiking requires you to have some basics but no special equipment is necessary, especially if you?re just starting off on short, day hikes. All you?ll need to get started are some good hiking boots and appropriate clothing for the climate you?ll be hiking in.

While running or walking shoes will suffice for a hike of a couple of hours, you?ll want to invest in some proper hiking boots if you want to really pursue hiking. Hiking boots give you the proper support, the right amount of insulation and the soles are specially made for rough and slippery terrain. While they may cost more than you think they should, they will be well worth the investment. A well made pair of hiking boots will last you years.

Hiking on well marked, well trodden paths are pretty straight forward and you have little chance of getting lost. You should bring a compass and map, especially if you?re interested in getting off the trail. Make sure you know how to use them before you start out on your hike. Once you get more experienced and adventurous you may consider purchasing a GPS unit which uses satellites to locate your position and direction.

Hiking is sure to be something that you?ll enjoy and benefit from. There is very little equipment needed to get started so what are you waiting for?

17 state parks to close for deer reduction

2009-11-08T09:13:00.000-08:00

Participants, "buddies" already randomly selected Select Indiana state parks will be closed temporarily for controlled deer reductions in the coming weeks.Two reduction efforts will take place. The first are Nov. 16 and 17. The second round is Nov. 30 and Dec.1. The participating parks will close to the general public the evening before each of the two efforts and will re-open the morning after each two-day reduction ends.Indiana DNR biologists evaluate which parks require a reduction each year based on vegetative recovery and previous hunter success at each park.State parks are home to more than 32 state-endangered plants, and the reductions help maintain browsing by deer to a level that helps ecosystems and associated vegetation recover throughout the state parks. Although the parks have had much success since the first reduction in 1993, a high no-show rate of those drawn and over selective hunting remain a challenge for the program.State parks participating with a reduction using firearms include Chain O’Lakes, Charlestown, Harmonie, Lincoln, Ouabache, Pokagon, Potato Creek, Prophetstown, Shades, Shakamak, Spring Mill, Tippecanoe River, Turkey Run, Versailles and Whitewater Memorial.State parks using archery for reduction include Fort Harrison and Clifty Falls.Participation is limited to individuals on applications that were drawn last September. No standby drawings will be conducted, nor will substitutes or additions be permitted. Participants must show photo ID upon check-in. No information packets were mailed to drawn participants this year but are instead available online at http://www.IN.gov/dnr/parklake/5655.htm, where applicants can check or review their draw status, permitted buddies, and details about the hunts. Information regarding 2010 state park deer reductions will be available in the 2010-2011 Indiana Hunting and Trapping Guide next summer.

Ccamping Safety - Keep In Touch When Camping Out

2009-11-06T04:57:00.000-08:00

Camping safety is very important to all campers regardless of how experienced a camper you are when it comes to camping out. How do you do that when you are away from all amenities and civilization?

It might seem impossible but it is actually possible as there are many gadgets, as well as gears available out there that can cater to every camper's need. Below are important tips and advice to follow when you go out camping, so that you can be safe at all times. Whatever it is, safety always comes first.

Set Boundaries and Follow Them

Camping with kids can sometimes get out of hand. It's hard to control them when this is the time that they are experiencing something that they've never experienced before. They tend to go wild. To make it safe and controllable, you have to set boundaries in and around the campsites. Give them advice on the things that they should and should not do, especially when there are no adults around. A safe thing to do is to assign them each with a partner to check in on each other on their location and give update or report to the rest of the group of any location changes.

Familiarise Yourself With the Surroundings

The first thing you can do when you arrive at the campsite is to let your fellow campers or kid campers familiarize themselves with the surroundings. Take notes of any noticeable landmarks that are around the site, for example a weird large tree. However, make sure that these landmarks are easily locatable in relation within your campsite.

Knock (Whistle) Three Times On The Ceiling If You Love Me

Each camper should be given a whistle each, especially to kid campers. Whistles give out a high pitch sound that can be heard from far. It's easier to blow a whistle than scream out 'help' when you're lost in the woods. Establish a code to signify a specific situation so that everyone could easily follow and heed, for example, a whistle blown twice could mean 'help' and three times could mean 'I am here' or vice versa. Warn the kid campers that they should use the whistle for an emergency purpose. Do not go blowing the whistle for fun. Kids tend to do that.

Colour Your World

Prior to your camping trips, buy trash bags that are brightly coloured. These trash bags are useful in the case that if you are lost in the woods. These trash bags could be used as a device to signal others of your location. These trash bags can also be used when it is cold outside and in need of temporary shelter. All you have to do is cut a slit at the top of the trash bag and wear it like a poncho. It is hard to believe that this could provide you temporary protection that could keep you alive through the harsh night.

Try To Choose A Camp That Provides Hi-Tech Communication

Though some campsites are totally out of contact with civilization, there are campsites that provide the same amenities one would find in civilization such as email facilities, phones and faxes. There are also campsites that provide internet connections. How convenient.

It is perfect for those who would like to stay in contact with their business or personal affairs while they are out camping. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds in a sense that being in the harsh outdoors but at the same time enjoying the comfort and convenience of modern technology.

Below are modern technology communication gadgets that can get you connected while you're camping.

- Hand-held Radios

This equipment can be brought anywhere you go and very handy so that campers can get connected with one another at all times. This equipment is not used only for camping but also in big events, such as sports.

- Laser Range Finders

It is a device that uses laser energy to determine the distance from the device to a place or object. In other words, it helps you know how far away things are from where you are standing. Nowadays, they are light and user friendly.

- Global Positioning System (GPS)

Previously, they were used by the army and units involved in search and rescue operations, however, now they are also used by ordinary people to determine their position with or without reference to separate maps. For campers, GPS provides a precise position so that it can enhance the chance of lost or disabled campers from being rescued.

- Night Vision Goggles

You might have seen one of these goggles used in Hollywood movies. These goggles allow you to be able to see in the dark. Though sophisticated, they are easy to operate. Very compact, light weight and handy.

Camping should be fun, but it is always preferable that you prepare beforehand. Your safety in the woods should not be compromised. It is always easy to forget what type of danger that might lurk when you are having so much fun. Whatever it is, take every necessary precaution before you go out camping. You just never know what could happen out there.

Ever Wondered How to Start Camping?

2009-11-06T04:54:00.000-08:00

So let's assume you have never been camping before. How would you start camping? Where would you decide to spend your camping trip and how long would your camping trip last? Would you want to rent your camping equipment from an outdoor and camping retailer or would you be determined to have your own camping equipment?

These are all important factors for a new camper to determine. You have undoubtedly seen movies depicting camping and maybe that is how you filled your mind with camping expectations. If so you will want to take that camping idea and try to recreate it for yourself and possibly your family. I know campers who when they find their perfect place to camp, will pitch a tent and others that would never consider camping without a motor home with running water and plumbing. Some people prefer no tent or cover at all and set up a hammock between two sturdy trees to enjoy their camping experience. Some of them will drink out of streams and even eat wild vegetation to create their unique camping experience. No one person's idea of camping is wrong and it is up to their own interpretation of a camping experience.

When planning your camping adventure, your own camping needs and desires should be followed. This is how you make your camping experience become a good experience. Maybe your first few camping experiences won't be roughing it without running water on your camping trip. Maybe you won't dig up roots to eat a wild outdoor meal. You will however step outside your comfort zone when you go camping. The first step to creating your camping reality begins in your mind!

Although you may have expectations for camping, make certain you realize that nothing will always go as planned without a hitch on your first attempt. After all you will be using camping utilities and equipment for camping that are most likely going to be foreign to you. Because of this you need to cut yourself some slack so that your camping experience can rollout in a fun and enjoyable manner. The new experiences you can have with a new camping experience can be something you write down in a journal or tell stories about for years to come.

Some families have a long tradition of camping on holidays, spring break, summer and family reunions. It is a great way to bond with family without the interference of modern technology and neighbors. Young children can make the most fun and entertaining camping enthusiasts in the world. They often seem the most eager to plan for a camping trip. They look forward to camping with great anticipation. Imagine what a youngster can discover on a camping trip. Young people are so adaptable to camping conditions so if you have a chance to camp with younger family members, make sure you don't pass up the experience.

Make your first few camping trips carefree and simple and you'll learn to love it. You may even find yourself starting new family traditions that include the wonderful adventures of camping!

You don't have to get blanked when you're stuck fishing banks

2009-10-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

* By Steve Ford
* October 25, 2009 at 12:39 a.m.

Fishing and the real estate business have this much in common: It all starts with location, location, location.

Sure, once you get to a location with plenty of fish it helps to know how to extract them, but even the best anglers can't score where there's nothing in the water.

That's why the most-frequently-asked question I get is: "Where can I go catch some fish?"

Dwinn Carbone, a recent transplant to the Evansville area from Florida, recently sent an e-mail wanting some spots to fish for bass, crappie and bluegill.

"Do bluegill even exist up here?" he asked, then continued. "Lakes and ponds were in surplus where I came from and I don't know where to begin here. I don't have a boat, so I'm guessing the (Ohio) river is out."

Here's my reply.

"Yes, there are plenty of bluegill in Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois. It happens to be my favorite eating fish, at least it was when I could still eat fried food.

"Actually, the Ohio River can be good from the bank in several areas. Look wherethere's shoreline structure like the Evansville riverfront, Pigeon Creek (just downstream), area boat ramps where the current washes over rip-rap and area dams at Newburgh and Uniontown.

"Unfortunately, the best places to fish both those dams from the bank is on the Kentucky side, but you can fish it with an Indiana license as long as you stay in the main stem. Just look at a map and you can find your way as you can see them from many miles off in the distance.

"For smaller water fishing there is a state fish & wildlife area close to Evansville just east of I-164 called Blue Grass (it's named after a nearby creek). There are several old strip mine lakes there that have bank access. Also, start working area farmers and landowners for permission to private ponds and look in the state fishing guide for public water like Scales Lake in Boonville and Lincoln City State Park, both of which are good, productive lakes.

"They are hard to fish from the bank, though. Make sure you have a license because the public areas are patrolled often by conservation officers. That should get you started. Let me know if that helped. Tight lines...Steve."

That was just a little over a week ago, so I suspect Carbone hasn't had enough time to give me a review. But after reading the exchange again it occurred to me there were more options.

Just in the Evansville area, a bank angler can go to Garvin Park, Diamond Valley (northeast of Diamond and Kratzville), Moutoux Park and Reflection Pond at the University of Southern Indiana.

With the new walkway added, there are several areas along Pigeon Creek that offer bank access and surprising fishing for a variety of species, including bass, crappie, catfish and an assortment of rough fish.

And even though much of the riverbank on the Wabash and Ohio rivers is private, there are some interesting options on public ground that offer surprising fishing.

The Old Dam near New Harmony on the Wabash is a really interesting spot that offers good fishing and spots like Big Creek in Posey County, that's no more than a channelized ditch now, that produce big catfish when the water is up, even in winter.

If you don't mind getting in the car, I have a real weakness for the tailraces at area dams, including Newburgh and Uniontown.

The first sauger I ever caught or striper I ever hooked in my life were both off the weir at Uniontown. I've also seen guys fill buckets with crappie from the rocks at Newburgh Dam.

The banks in the area are not the best places to fish in the area, but they can be productive.

Give them a shot.

Hemlock cliffs

2009-10-25T09:09:00.000-07:00

Hemlock Cliffs is a valley of special beauty in southern Indiana. A cool climate, created by the box canyon shape, sandstone rock formations, and seasonal waterfalls is responsible for the unique trees and plants that grow here. Hemlock Cliffs has long been a popular destination for people seeking tranquility, and a chance for reflection from within a cool rock shelter or along the shady stream. hemlock cliffs trail

The area features, sandstone rock outcrops, overhangs, cliffs, rock shelters, and ravines. The rock you see is sandstone of the Tar Springs Formation. Much of the sandstone is "Honeycombed" by weathering of iron ores. Springs, small caves, and subterranean drainage conduits are in the underlying Glen Dean Limestone. Lush vegetation is found along the cliffs, waterfalls and canyon floor. Hemlock, a tall evergreen with short needles and small cones, thrives in the canyon's cool climate. Wintergreen, a rare plant, is also found here. Wild geranium, French's shooting star, mountain laurel, and liverwort are some of the other plants of interest found here. hemlock cliffs waterfall

Backpacking Sleeping Bags - 4 Useful Tips To Purchase The Right One

2009-10-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

As the modern-day equivalent of the old explorers, the backpacker will be exposed to all kinds of climatic conditions on many different types of terrain. He or she must be self-sufficient and prepared for the worst at all times. And preparedness starts before leaving home, with the selection of backpacking gear. Of particular importance is your backpacking sleeping bag. Not getting a good nights rest can lead to mistakes that can mean the difference between enjoying that view of the sunset from a mountain ridge and seeing that same sunset from a Search and Rescue helicopter.

1. The Backpacking Sleeping Bag - All Sleeping Bags Are Not Created Equal

Before choosing a sleeping bag, it can be helpful to know what some of the key differences are between the backpacking sleeping bag and other sleeping bags. The needs of a backpacker lead to special considerations that the backpacker must address:

The backpacking sleeping bag must be light. A typical backpacker will already be carrying food, extra clothing for rain or snow, fire-starting and cooking gear, flashlights, water bottles, first aid supplies and other survival gear, and any special equipment for traversing the terrain the backpacker will be in, such as ropes, pitons, etc. Adding a 25 pound sleeping bag to this load can make the weight unmanageable for someone not blessed with a Herculean physique.

It must be easy to store. The backpacking sleeping bag should roll into the smallest space possible, for easy stowage and maneuvering. A big, bulky sleeping bag tied to your back can be a major impediment when moving through difficult or heavily forested terrain.

The backpacking sleeping bag must adequately protect the backpacker from the elements. This is a more complicated issue to address and will be explored in more depth below.

2. Nature and You - Protecting Yourself from the Elements

Before you choose which sleeping bag to take with you on a given excursion, consider where you will be going. You wouldn't take the same backpacking sleeping bag with you on a trip to the Rocky Mountains as you would on a trip to the Louisiana bayou. Is the area you are going hot? Cold? Humid? Dry? Is it the rainy (or snowy) season there? What kind of temperature variations are there between day and night? A polyfill or synthetic type insulated backpacking sleeping bag will keep you warm better when it is wet than a down filled, but a down-filled bag will keep you warmer in frozen, windy environments. A simple nylon shell may work well in a warm, humid climate, but cold winds will cut right through it. Microfiber linings will work well when wet, and provide good wind protection, but can be heavy and costly. And of course, the amount of a given material the backpacking sleeping bag uses directly influences both weight and bulk.

3. One Size Does Not Fit All

Although it would be nice if you could choose one backpacking sleeping bag for all climes, this is just not possible. Using a light shell in the mountains will make you freeze all night, and using a down-filled backpacking sleeping bag on a warm beach somewhere will lead to a night of sweltering in your bag. Even within groups of bags appropriate to a given climate, what works well for one person may not work for someone else. Metabolic and circulatory differences between people lead to differing needs in their backpacking sleeping bag. Look at the sleeping bag's temperature ratings, they will give you an idea of the temperatures that a bag will keep you comfortable in. Also consider whether to purchase accessories such as hoods for minimizing heat loss through your head, or draft tubes to get rid of excess heat in the backpacking sleeping bag.

4. Final Words

After choosing a backpacking sleeping back that will work for you, also consider purchasing a liner for your sleeping bag. Using a liner will cut down on having to wash the entire sleeping bag. This will greatly extend the useful lifetime of your sleeping bag, since washing tends to make the insulating fill "clump", greatly reducing comfort and effectiveness. Choosing a good, quality backpacking sleeping bag and properly caring for it will allow years of backpacking enjoyment.

(AHT) Adventure Hiking Trail News

2009-10-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

O'Bannon Woods State Park
7234 Old Forest Rd. SW
Corydon, IN 47112

The current status of the AHT remains rough and extremely difficult to traverse for mountain bikers and hikers. Storm damage suffered from Sept 2009 to the current arriving storms have left large portions of the trail with down trees and extremely muddy conditions. We have managed to get a State Park skid steer and chainsaw crew to remove down trees from about 2/3's of the trail. 1/3 of the trail remains untouched and has many trees crossing the trail (Indian Creek Section - East Side)

HMBA has concentrated their efforts in building a bike/hike trail on our old Rocky Ridge Trail (Class A Campground) and an access trail from our fire tower to the Rocky Ridge Trail. If you begin at the fire tower and ride the access trail to and thru Rocky Ridgeback and back you can have a 6 mile ride. To date this is the best ride we can offer.

As additional information, a portion(s) of the Adventure Hiking Trail will be closed from November 16 to April 1 due to active timber sales and as a public safety measure implemented by the Division of Forestry. Timber sale areas are closed to the public during the above dates. I have included a timber sale map provided by Dwayne Sieg, Manager of the Harrison Crawford State Forest. If you have questions about forest management activities please contact Dwayne Sieg. His office number is 812-738-7694.

2009-10-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

My son and took a hike at Angel Mounds today and much to our surprise hundreds of monarch butterflies were making their way along the river front south to Mexico. It was fun to see so many at one time. We watched them fly by for about 20 minutes and it was a nice experience for us. Something we may never get to see again.

MTB trail opens at French Lick

2009-10-02T17:34:00.001-07:00

FRENCH LICK, Ind. —

You can gamble here, dine or shop inside a dazzling domed hotel from a century ago, be pampered at a spa or hunt for souvenirs of Larry Bird, the "hick from French Lick" basketball sensation who grew up here. And now you can go mountain biking in this back-country tourist mecca 90 miles northeast of Evansville.

A five-mile single track loop — just the beginning of a trail system being developed on the French Lick Resort's 3,000 acres — will open early Saturday afternoon. Designer Alex Stewart, known for his work on mountain bike trails in Brown County, Ind., is quoted in a press release as saying he was trying to create one of the state's best downhills, what he calls "a Zen-like feeling of flying downhill immersed in a forest."

According to Stewart, the new Buffalo Trace trail has a mix of dips, rollers and turns that take full advantage of the terrain's rock outcroppings, quarries and caves. Stewart said he hopes to bring a mountain bike race here and put French Lick "on the map" in the biking sport. Although the trail is opening this weekend, the grand opening won't be until Oct. 25. — Rich Davis

Southern Indiana MTB - Join Us !

Monarch Butterflies Head South for the Winter

2009-08-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

Each year, some 250 million monarch butterflies arrive to the luscious volcanic highlands of central Mexico. Guided to the area by an inexplicable internal clock known scientifically as circadian, the monarch butterflies travel up to 3,000 miles to the state of Michoacan, which becomes the butterflies’ winter getaway. Nature-goers can visit the butterflies anytime between November and March, although the best time to see them is in February and early March, right before they head north again.

Originally from southern Canada and the northern United States, the orange and black monarchs hibernate during winter and mate in spring before returning back north. Each year from late October to early November, the delicate creatures flee the north’s freezing temperatures and embark on a month-long trip south, flying some 70 miles per day to reach the Oyamel mountaintop fir forests of the Mexican state of Michoacan. Those fortunate enough to live along the monarchs’ route south are frequently exposed to the site of large groups of butterflies flying overhead on route to their winter sanctuary.

Once reaching the Oyamel forests, the monarchs cluster together by the thousands in pine trees, weighing down branches with their sheer mass and making the forests glow the like the bright orange of their wings. These butterflies spend the entire winter in Michoacan, finally mating in the spring and then returning north, laying eggs along the way.

The beautiful butterflies leave Mexico in late February and early March in a mass migration and the monarchs should reach the central United States by mid-April. By that time, the females will have laid their eggs for 1,000 miles as they make their one-time trip. They return home exhausted and with tattered wings after the 3,000 mile trip. A typical butterfly will make just one round trip during its lifetime. Witnessing this incredible migration is reason enough to follow the Monarchs down to Mexico.

In the easternmost part of Michoacan is an immense monarch butterfly reserve spanning nearly 100 square-miles. In 1986, the Mexican government declared the region a special biosphere reserve where thousands of butterflies cluster together in the early morning and nights, covering whole trees and branches.

Several of the monarch butterfly sanctuaries are open to the public, including Sierra Chincua and El Campanario. Sierra Chincua is about a 30-minute drive north of Angangueo, once an important mining town. El Campanario, also known as El Rosario sanctuary is much more frequently visited. It lies above the small village of El Rosario, almost an hour’s drive up some rough terrain from the village of Ocampo. Common departure points to the sanctuaries are Ocampo, Zitacuaro and Morelia.

Spending a night in Angangueo is ideal because from there visitors can secure transport to the reserve early in the morning, when the butterflies are still in the trees. A comfortable hotel is the Albergue Don Bruno (tel. 011-52-715-156-0026). Maruata (tel. 011-52-443-324-2120) runs 10-hour tours to the sanctuary including transportation, food and bilingual guide for US$60. For those spending the weekend, the 62-room Villa Monarca Inn (tel. 011-52-715-153-5362), located in the outskirts of Zitacuaro, is an ideal place to go.

Angangueo, Zitacuaro and the nearby towns of Maravatio and Ocampo hold a monarch Butterfly Festival each February, featuring traditional dance, music and craft markets, in celebration of their annual winter visitors.
Local tourist areas include the beautiful colonial town of Morelia, Michoacan’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, giving travelers yet another reason to visit. Other popular tourist stops, including Lake Patzcuaro, the quaint town of Patzcuaro, Janitzio Island and the Tarascan Indian ruins of Tzintzuntzan, are also nearby.

The beautiful butterflies leave Mexico in late February and early March in a mass migration and the monarchs should reach the central United States by mid-April. By that time, the females will have laid their eggs for 1,000 miles as they make their one-time trip. They return home exhausted and with tattered wings after the 3,000 mile trip. A typical butterfly will make just one round trip during its lifetime.

City ducks face plenty of trouble to survive

2009-06-21T11:13:00.000-07:00

* By Phil Potter

EVANSVILLE — Being a successful mother isn't all it's "quacked up to be" if you're a Tri-sState hen mallard living in the shadow of civilization. Nesting here instead of heading to traditional Canadian breeding grounds is filled with many perils that migration usually leaves behind.

A hundred years ago, legions of waterfowl nested throughout Indiana and Illinois courtesy of vast swamps and marshlands. But little by little, waterfowl were pushed up and out. Those that stayed near cities have been termed "urban waterfowl" and in the Evansville area a dedicated group of waterfowl watchers are chronicling the perils of being urban ducks.

Several members of Waterfowl USA's Twin Bridges Chapter decided to make their lakes and ponds duck havens. They built wood duck boxes and floating mallard nesting platforms and stationed them on friendly waters, which are becoming fewer and far between.

City parks have started trimming away all protective shoreline cover around existing ditches, ponds and lakes. This includes Evansville's State Hospital park ponds that used to encourage ducks and people to interact in a friendly manner.

It is darkly rumored that some have employed "nuisance animal" controllers who are sniping the unwary waterfowl with high powered pellet guns during the wee hours of morning when no one is thought to be watching. But that isn't what's whacking duck numbers on WUSA waters.

According to one of WUSA's "duck daddies," tpredators are killing brooding hens or they are demolishing both first and second egg clutches before they get a chance to hatch.

The No. 1 predator of mature WUSA watched mallards is a villainous three-way tie between raccoons, foxes and feral house cats.

The champion egg eaters are coons, possums, foxes, skunks and snakes in that order. The varmints most responsible for duckling deaths are rated by the largest amounts consumed. In descending order are predatory fish (mainly bass and catfish), turtles, Cooper's hawks, blue herons, coons and big bullfrogs. Other documented duckling losses come from predation by dogs, cars, minks and Norway rats, all of which can effectively annihilate many or all they encounter.

Twin Bridges Chapter has always banded local ducks and last year got five band returns from hunters along with recovering several bands retrieved from birds killed by predation. Of the more than 400 ducklings and adults being watched, fewer than 100 were still alive by June 16, proving the deck is definitely stacked against urban waterfowl.

Add that several early mallard nests attempted at water's edges were flooded gives further proof that urban and assisted rural living for waterfowl just isn't what it's "quacked" up to be.

n The Pike County Bow Hunter's Association in conjunction with Sugar Ridge Fish & Wildlife Area will host a free youth archery eventfrom 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. June 7 at Sugar Ridge Area One located two miles west of State Road 61 on County Road 150 South.

Bow equipment will be provided but everyone is encouraged to bring their own. The event covers bow safety, shooting techniques and personal instruction by qualified instructors. After that a 3-D life size bow shoot takes place. Call 812-789-2724 and ask for Nate or Dave if you have questions.